Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow

Karl Sakas
Raleigh, NC
Director of Client Services, Coalmarch Productions
Marketing
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TOP IDEA: Becky Benishek Great (and frightening) article from WSJ called "The Faces & Fates of the Jobless." Stories about what people do when they've been unemployed for too long and they've got a lot of debt, no more health benefits, etc. One person is in such dire straits she feels guilty for taking time to read a book! http://bit.ly/a2z5bK What lengths would YOU go to for a job?

93 weeks ago from myFootpath and Job Resources and Career Coaching

 
TOP IDEA: Carlee Mallard A fellow BC & I are planning a local Gen Y/young careerist meetup. We're thinking college students/graduates/motivated young people to help each other take the "next step" in their career, find mentors in the area, have expert speakers in navigating post-college life & careers, & some small-group "epiphany farming" sessions. Anyone else started a similar meetup? What's the focus/activities & have any tips? If not, what kind of life & career meetup activities would be useful & intrigue you?

94 weeks ago from Career Changers, Upstarts!, Entrepreneurs and JobSTART 1012 more

Jay Dolan: My thoughts were basically to get together, have a drink, and complain about how much it sucks trying to get a job right now. I hadn't developed ...MoreMy thoughts were basically to get together, have a drink, and complain about how much it sucks trying to get a job right now. I hadn't developed the idea too much beyond passing a few words with friends. I was thinking about once the group was going to get a recruiter or someone to speak about making yourself stand out versus all the experienced people looking for a job right now.
94 weeks ago
Brianne E. Villano: Ha! Jay, we can do that whenever you'd like. It's always good to have a "Beer and Bitch" night. We just can't let it take over. Having a recruiter ...MoreHa! Jay, we can do that whenever you'd like. It's always good to have a "Beer and Bitch" night. We just can't let it take over. Having a recruiter come in for a meeting would be a good idea as long as we get someone progressive. Great idea!
94 weeks ago
 
wendy aron When I got my book publishing deal I thought I had been delivered. Delivered to the poor house was more like it. My small, independent publisher went bankrupt one year after my publication date, and I never received any royalties from them. All told, I spent more money on my book than I made. Certainly, being a published author was not like I dreamed it would be. What career did you choose and how has it been different than you dreamed it would be when you were first starting out?

97 weeks ago from What I Wish I Knew Then

Pete Collins: Currently I'm an environmental consultant and I thought this was going to be *IT*. I thought I'd be gathering and analysing data in order to ...MoreCurrently I'm an environmental consultant and I thought this was going to be *IT*. I thought I'd be gathering and analysing data in order to understand and solve environmental problems. I'm not. I'm mainly writing environmental management plans for Network Rail, which isn't really what I envisaged. Still, it has given me a really good insight into how a country keeps itself running, and how a lot of mundane work builds up to create an absolutely critical system. Might be time to move on soon though...
96 weeks ago
wendy aron: Hi Barbie, When I was in elementary school my plan was actually to sell pencils on Wall St. Another dream squashed by technology!
96 weeks ago
 

96 weeks ago

 
Dustin Newman 4 bullets for consideration - Cycled across Canada from June - August 2006 - Scoring champion on Kitscoty Monarchs Senior Hockey Team in 2009 - Trekked across Salkantay Pass (15,000ft) in Peru in September 2009 - Wild Cow Milking Champion at the Bruce Stampede in 2009 Do any of these belong in a resume? Do the points make me appear more interesting? Funny? Crazy? Obnoxious? How much extra curricular information is good?

105 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

Sadya Siddiqui: Wild Cow Milking Champion at the Bruce Stampede in 2009!!!! ok now im officially jealous.
104 weeks ago
Cary Thomson: Interesting. The Peru cycle would be really relevant to my department as we work with some of the Peruvian mines. It would also be very relevant ...MoreInteresting. The Peru cycle would be really relevant to my department as we work with some of the Peruvian mines. It would also be very relevant if you needed to demonstrate the ability to rough it outdoors. So I'd recommend looking at each item on your resume and asking yourself so what? Does this meet what the employer needs in some way?

That said I'd keep the Cow Milking thing in as it something that really stand out and will make you memorable. I deal with over 130 applications to our grad school each year and honestly often the only ones that stand out for me are have unique items like the cow milking.

104 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Kenji Crosland Does a highly specialized skill set matter as much today as it used to? What are the advantages/dangers of becoming a specialist or generalist? Employers are always looking for specialists for their organizations, but does overspecialization put you at risk of being cast adrift should your skill set become obsolete because of some technological innovation? How has being a specialist or generalist helped or hurt you?

106 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

Dustin Newman: When approaching any subject, give it your whole attention and play with different approaches to solve the problems. If an approach doesn't ...MoreWhen approaching any subject, give it your whole attention and play with different approaches to solve the problems. If an approach doesn't work...don't say that it didn't work, but find out why and find out the root cause of the failure. This will help you become specialized in one area. Apply this approach to many areas and you will have the best of both worlds - a generalist with many specialties...invaluable.
105 weeks ago
Kenji Crosland: @Sara--Great post! Thanks for introducing me to your blog. I Left a comment and subscribed. I actually wrote a similar article a while back: ...More@Sara--Great post! Thanks for introducing me to your blog. I Left a comment and subscribed. I actually wrote a similar article a while back: Actually it's a three-parter: http://is.gd/5iCMp AND http://is.gd/5MBtc AND http://is.gd/6Bp9J
105 weeks ago
 
Karl Sakas If you're interested in marketing, technology, or product management and you're in the N.C. Research Triangle, come to ProductCamp RTP on May 22. This free "unconference" features presentations on a variety of topics. Plus, several of the sponsors are looking to hire people, so if you're looking for a job in these areas, it might be an especially good opportunity. To sign up (or submit a presentation proposal), visit the website: http://barcamp.org/ProductCampRTP

106 weeks ago from Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, NC and North Carolina Bloggers

 
Emily Patenaude A friend of mine is releasing an album on a record label this month and is looking for the best "sociaI blabbing tool" out there. Basically, he needs to say lots of things in a lot of places and would rather only have to write it out once. Any thoughts?

107 weeks ago from New Media Marketing

Sean Cook: hootsuite can do the same thing and is also a good way to monitor what is being said out there about you...twitter mentions, etc. If he is looking ...Morehootsuite can do the same thing and is also a good way to monitor what is being said out there about you...twitter mentions, etc. If he is looking to avoid conversation, though, I'd advise against relying solely on one-way "announcement-style" releases and promos. Conversation marketing and social engagement are the way to go.
107 weeks ago
Ruben Kenig: I think you need to target more than Twitter and Facebook for a music social promotion campaign. Sites like Last.fm, Blip.fm, Bandcamp can be very ...MoreI think you need to target more than Twitter and Facebook for a music social promotion campaign. Sites like Last.fm, Blip.fm, Bandcamp can be very useful and are worth putting the time into. Unfortunately I don't know of a single tool that will easily update them all.

Your friend will probably find that he gets out of his campaign returns proportional to his input.

The tools mentioned above are both very good. I would probably favour Tweetdeck using bit.ly to track clickthroughs myself. Try them both out and see what he prefers.

Good luck.

104 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Elizabeth Williams If you're putting yourself out there as a social media-savvy brand, it should not take 10 days and 5 negative tweets before you respond to a customer complaint.

108 weeks ago

 
Melissa Breau Hey PT - So at my job I'm currently the associate editor for 3 b2b magazines. One monthly, one bimonthly, one quarterly. Our Managing Editor is leaving the company for another career path and I'm next in line in terms of seniority. I've already expressed a strong interest in the position and believe I'm qualified. When our ME first floated the possibility she'd be leaving I talked to my boss & he made it seem likely I'd get her job. Now he waffles (more in comment 1)

110 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

Melissa Breau: He says things like "I want to make sure you're qualified first" and "I don't want to give you a job you can't handle" - I'm not sure where these ...MoreHe says things like "I want to make sure you're qualified first" and "I don't want to give you a job you can't handle" - I'm not sure where these comments are coming from. I think I've shown I CAN handle this job; although he would then have to find someone to fill my current position (because, not unreasonably, i can't do both).

I'm waiting for him to decide to have a sit down about this (I've requested one and he said he wanted to think about some of the points involved a bit more first) but was hoping for some tips on how to handle this when we get there.

I think he is planning on offering me something that is not quite what I want but is an "upgrade" from what I'm doing now (possibly making me ME on our bimonthly but not our monthly) - with a salary bump. But it's not what I want. And it would mean bringing in a new employee to do the other half of the job which would make it harder for me to take on new responsibilities in the future and get pay bumps then.

He has a pretty good history of being a good boss - has made sure I've gotten a raise every year (inc. when the company had a salary freeze) and works with me on many points. I've been with the company about 2 years; however I really believe that giving me the ME position is in the best interest of the company. Anyone have an suggestions on handling all this?

110 weeks ago
Karl Sakas: Sounds like you're doing things right, but his delaying doesn't sound encouraging -- is he usually indecisive when it comes to major decisions? ...MoreSounds like you're doing things right, but his delaying doesn't sound encouraging -- is he usually indecisive when it comes to major decisions?

What are his pain points? Certainly it's easier to hire someone in-house than bring in an unknown new hire. He'd still have to hire a replacement for your job, but there's presumably less risk if an associate editor doesn't work out. Hiring you is also faster than his searching for a couple months to find someone...while he meanwhile has to do the ME work himself.

At the least, you need an indication from him about what (specifically) he needs you to do to prove you're qualified and that you can handle it. It would help if you could make a "T" chart, listing the responsibilities on the left and your related accomplishments (or something that shows potential) on the right. Speaking with the outgoing ME might help. Does she think you can handle it?

110 weeks ago
 
Rasha Proctor Hi guys, In talking to few friends in HR at various companies, they confirmed that, when references call to check the standard practice is to provide: confirmation of employment with dates, salaries and if it was voluntary or involuntary termination. I was kinda surprised because I was under the impression that salaries and terms of termination aren't discussed. Can anyone clarify from personal experience or elaborate on the process. Thanks.

110 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

Elizabeth de Bagara: Thanks Karl. On a related note, do you think it's a red flag if a potential employer makes a big deal of needing to check certain kinds of ...MoreThanks Karl. On a related note, do you think it's a red flag if a potential employer makes a big deal of needing to check certain kinds of references (must be a direct supervisor) before the interview, and so on? I've tried to be accomodating because the employer doesn't know me, and my references should be great, and I understand not wanting to make a bad hire, but it's getting ridiculous. You should be able to tell from meeting me that I am not going to set the place on fire, and if you don't trust yourself to know that from an interview and a check of my work, then what will you really learn from grilling my former boss about my "style of communication?"
110 weeks ago
Karl Sakas: @Elizabeth: I'd push back on their demand. I bring my references list (in person) to the first interview and then offer the list to the ...More@Elizabeth: I'd push back on their demand. I bring my references list (in person) to the first interview and then offer the list to the interviewer at the end *if* things went well and I want to do a second round. I value my references' time and don't want their info floating around. If an interviewer hasn't even met with me yet, s/he doesn't know if I'm a fit for them, and I don't know if the company's a fit for me.

Checking references is time-consuming. I see reference-checks as something the hiring manager would do *after* they start winnowing their candidates to a short list, not an up-front thing.

My take is that if an interviewer insists on getting references before any initial interview, they're jumping the gun. You can handle this by saying, "I'm glad to share my references but I think we need to meet first to see if we're an initial match."

110 weeks ago
 
Karl Sakas If you live in the NC Research Triangle area and want to connect with other people in marketing and social media, come to the second #Raleigh #MediaLeaders networking event -- Tuesday, April 6, in Raleigh: http://bit.ly/cQdOyB

111 weeks ago from North Carolina Bloggers and Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, NC

Regina Twine: This is a wonderful idea! Too bad I won't be in NC until May but I'm hoping there will another one soon.
111 weeks ago
 
Delta Waters P-Great webinar the other night...I had a question that wasn't answered (i know they were flying at you fast).i'm just a peon at this point. how do i increase my influence so as to begin at some point to blog f& gain sponsors? i did start my little side biz writing resumes for students but i am an RN by day. i'm thinking a nursing-related blog. my point (and i do have one) is how long can this take and how can i be like you when i grow up? i'm willing to work hard.

112 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

kathleen fasanella: The webinar on blogging wasn't much different from what I expected -content wise- but it was reaffirming, there's a *value* to affirmation I truly ...MoreThe webinar on blogging wasn't much different from what I expected -content wise- but it was reaffirming, there's a *value* to affirmation I truly never felt before. I have always known I didn't want to be a million dollar blogger, not because I abdicate because I think I can't make it, only that I don't have the personality or DRIVE to get there. My appreciation of people who do, increased but it's not me. The lifestyle of million dollar bloggers -for me- is the closest thing to hell on earth I could imagine. Which is not to say I'm not ambitious. I want to be the best there is or at least be in a position to nurture those who are but thankfully, I can plod along at my level, success not being incumbent upon the status of my site.
111 weeks ago
Delta Waters: kathleen, self-knowledge is power. Teasing out fantasy from reality is important. I am just dipping my toe in to test the waters...Brice, a blog ...Morekathleen, self-knowledge is power. Teasing out fantasy from reality is important. I am just dipping my toe in to test the waters...Brice, a blog will not make me a happy human. But you do pose a good question about finding that which i have always wanted to do...hmmm.
110 weeks ago
 
Karl Sakas Facebook's new Community Pages give control back to the fans: http://bit.ly/cH8Koi

112 weeks ago

 
TOP IDEA: Karl Sakas Should you hold out for a paid internship or work for free, especially if your school is encouraging pro bono work in a rough job market? See my latest article, "Free interns: Get 'em while they're hot?" at http://bit.ly/aVoVnq

112 weeks ago

Karl Sakas: @Elizabeth: Thanks for the link. Here's an update, since that's not working any more: More@Elizabeth: Thanks for the link. Here's an update, since that's not working any more: http://bit.ly/axA2ie

This is a hot topic; the NYTimes just had an article about how some states are fining companies that "hire" unpaid interns. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/03/business/03intern.html

This seems to vary by industry. Two of the non-profits I work with are entirely volunteer-based, so not paying interns wouldn't be abusive. But law firms can certainly afford the help.

111 weeks ago
Elizabeth de Bagara: Thanks - that was a great article. Sorry for the old link. This should be the new archived permalink.

More
Thanks - that was a great article. Sorry for the old link. This should be the new archived permalink.

http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2010/03/31/the-real-deal-one-readers-advice-on-...

111 weeks ago
 
Elizabeth de Bagara Campaign media strategy is NOT the same as issue media strategy. In a campaign, journalists have a compelling reason to listen to your pitch. The race provides a narrative framework - the "Why" of a story is built-in, leaving journalists to focus on the Who, What, Where, and When. During a campaign, focus on providing journalists compelling facts. As soon as the campaign ends, however, either provide compelling reasons to write the story, or risk losing your audience.

112 weeks ago

 
Elizabeth Williams I just started my photography business, Girl + Camera LLC, a few months ago. I was talking about the business gaining new clients over lunch with former co-workers yesterday, and one asked asked if I'd do a family portrait for her. Now, I do events & print work, but for an ex-coworker, I might do it. Then she said, "I'll even pay you with a home-cooked meal!" How do I explain this is a *business* and I can't do freebies without saying "Bitch, you don't work for free and neither do I!"

113 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

Sadya Siddiqui: i wonder what Beth eventualy did
111 weeks ago
Brice: I would argue that business done right will make an exponential amount of goodwill, you will not have to work work for it. Having a lean mindset ...MoreI would argue that business done right will make an exponential amount of goodwill, you will not have to work work for it. Having a lean mindset and good planning could mitigate the unforeseen things that come up.
110 weeks ago
 
Elizabeth Raley I'm looking for a Q/A web-based tester for junior level position at CastingNetworks.com based in Los Angeles.

114 weeks ago from We're Hiring

Karl Sakas: To clarify - the tester would be web-based (remote/virtual), or the Q/A is regarding a web-based service?
114 weeks ago
Elizabeth Raley: Web-based service - we need an in-house tester!
114 weeks ago
 
Delta Waters Penelope...I just started a new resume writing business focusing on teens, new grads and peeps with gaps in their work histories. I Twitter, I'm getting listed, got followers, got my website...whew! Do i really need to blog too? They're so ubiquitous...would it be like pissing in the ocean?

114 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

JenG: Just a point on the need for resume issue. Even if you don't have a formal resume that you send out the old fashioned way, people still need help ...MoreJust a point on the need for resume issue. Even if you don't have a formal resume that you send out the old fashioned way, people still need help generating the content for places like LinkedIn. Most people just don't have the communication skills to effecitvely describe what they've done and why it's important. As someone who reads resumes all the time, I can say that's still true regardless of age!

In my opinion, the biggest distinguisher in this business is to do a bang up job on the content. Too many people focus on format instead of verb choice and impact.

Good luck!

114 weeks ago
Delta Waters: JenG...exactly.Thanks for the luck!
113 weeks ago
 
Maureen Lee Maloney Hey Penelope, a week and a half ago I sent an application to a company via email, and conversed briefly with the contact person. Do you think it would be ok to send an email asking about the time frame for the hiring process? Also, at some point I'd like to ask for feedback about my application. What do you think?

114 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

Karl Sakas: Don't ask them for feedback about your application. If they want to interview you, that's feedback. If they decline to interview you, only then ...MoreDon't ask them for feedback about your application. If they want to interview you, that's feedback. If they decline to interview you, only then ask for feedback for when you apply elsewhere.

It's OK to e-mail, reminding them of your interest and asking about the next step. Keep in mind that your sense of time is probably moving slower than the contact person's. An HR friend says when she's hiring multiple positions, she may not see a new resume for a week or two. But the contact probably won't mind the occasional gentle "squeaky wheel" followup.

114 weeks ago
 
K Elaine Hooper Reworked my resume after getting a ton of great feedback from lots of different sources. Download on my profile or http://hirekelaine.weebly.com (use the download links at the bottom of that page instead of the text of the page itself). Any more advice would be excellent!

118 weeks ago from Resume Feedback

Isao Kato: I feel slightly odd seeing website name as "Hire" - feels a bit too strong. Your personal stories (Not Typical details and Blog) are interesting, ...MoreI feel slightly odd seeing website name as "Hire" - feels a bit too strong. Your personal stories (Not Typical details and Blog) are interesting, so I think your website can stand as the place for people to know about you in general (and for you to express yourself), while the resume can be more focused as others suggested.
Also although Education might be core to you but for most employers not so, so.. Skills and Experience can come up front?

118 weeks ago
K Elaine Hooper: Thanks, Isao. I'll post an update when I have all these changes made both on my resume and on my website, so this whole fun process can begin all ...MoreThanks, Isao. I'll post an update when I have all these changes made both on my resume and on my website, so this whole fun process can begin all over again!
117 weeks ago
Chanelle Schneider: My apologies. Here is the correct link. MoreMy apologies. Here is the correct link. https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B22vwosAj0WkMGE1Yzc4N2YtYmZhYS00NjA...
118 weeks ago
Karl Sakas: Chanelle, I'm still getting an error on your new GoogleDocs URL: "Sorry, the page (or document) you have requested is not available."
118 weeks ago
 
Rebecca Thorman Sorry, one more thought on item 3 - I did like that you were able to identify your key strengths, however. I don't think it takes anything away from your resume, but I do see that as space that could be used with something stronger since you would, again, most likely cover that in your cover letter. So go with whatever feels best for you :)

118 weeks ago from Resume Feedback

Claire Veuthey: Karl- thanks for your feedback, too! Good idea to include SIRAN.. To give credit where credit is due, the layout is 95% lifted from one of ...MoreKarl- thanks for your feedback, too! Good idea to include SIRAN.. To give credit where credit is due, the layout is 95% lifted from one of Rebecca's old CVs.
118 weeks ago
Claire Veuthey: Karl- thanks for your feedback, too! Good idea to include SIRAN.. To give credit where credit is due, the layout is 95% lifted from one of ...MoreKarl- thanks for your feedback, too! Good idea to include SIRAN.. To give credit where credit is due, the layout is 95% lifted from one of Rebecca's old CVs.
118 weeks ago
 
Ryan DeSort So, I'm currently on the hunt for a job and am in the process of a whole new resume makeover. How long should an "objective" typically be? Also, I took on many positions in my fraternity & university while at school, I currently have them each individually listed.. Should I keep it that way, condense it to just a general "XYZ Fraternity", or what do you think is best?

120 weeks ago from Resume Feedback

Karl Sakas: Excellent job featuring and quantifying your accomplishments!

You should probably reorganize the resume so that your college leadership ...More
Excellent job featuring and quantifying your accomplishments!

You should probably reorganize the resume so that your college leadership experience appears in an umbrella "Work and Leadership Experience" category. Otherwise, 'Field Marketing Agent' is lonely as the only item under "Experience."

There are all sorts of opinions about handling or ignoring resume gaps... but a hiring manager is going to wonder what you've been doing since graduating in December 2008. How might you explain that?

120 weeks ago
Brianne E. Villano: Ryan - the gap in time is the first thing I noticed. Did you take any continuing ed courses? Volunteer anywhere? Do contract work? Any of that ...MoreRyan - the gap in time is the first thing I noticed. Did you take any continuing ed courses? Volunteer anywhere? Do contract work? Any of that would be helpful in filling in time gaps.

Agree with Karl on grouping your actual experience together to make the resume appear less scattered and sparse.

Also if you want to make your resume seem more relevant to today instead of focusing on the past, you might want to think about listing Work and Leadership first and education second. Just a thought!

120 weeks ago
Interests
Trains, history, technology, cooking, hiking, volunteering, giving and receiving career advice
Favorite Quote
"However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results." -Winston Churchill
Specialties
Seeing a better way & making it happen, e-mail marketing, testing online ad campaigns, asking the right questions, executing plans

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