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Scott Keegan

London, United Kingdom

Information Technology

Real-world Leadership

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Lisa Shimek What do you think of paying $500 to have a resume written? I have professional experience, but not at the executive level.

73 weeks ago from Resume Feedback

Sadya Siddiqui recommended this

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Ji Hyun Lee: I once heard a career coach tweet that he tht ppl shld pay to have lunch him bec they approach him for career advice. Say what?
62 weeks ago

Mona Abdel-Halim: $500 is better spent on a new wardrobe for all the interviews you'll hopefully get by using a free online resume builder like RESUNATE. It's shown ...More$500 is better spent on a new wardrobe for all the interviews you'll hopefully get by using a free online resume builder like RESUNATE. It's shown to double chances of getting an interview. Go to http://get.resunate.com to sign up for an account.
62 weeks ago

Penelope Trunk I just did something big with my blog ideas: I threw them all out. I have kept a spreadsheet for years of links to ideas I like and ideas for posts I should write. And I used to write all my posts from this sheet. I decided I was actually bogged down by ideas. I decided it's easier to have ideas than to write. Do you ever feel this way? I am wondering if the problem of not blogging is ideas or self-discipline.

102 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

Rebecca Thorman and Miri McDonald recommended this

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Annabel Candy: Ah yes, "it's easier to have ideas than to write" Brilliant that you threw them all away. Liberating. Ideally I'd liberate all mine by just ...MoreAh yes, "it's easier to have ideas than to write" Brilliant that you threw them all away. Liberating. Ideally I'd liberate all mine by just writing them and publishing them somewhere. Stopping all the anal perfectionism and getting them out there. I have a zillion drafts on the blog, in notebooks and ideas forever. Got to try to get them out there, not hoard them like a demented squirrel:)
102 weeks ago

Annabel Candy: Having more thoughts on this. Even in the beginning when no one is reading your blog (or just your best friend) it;s hard enough to be raw, honest ...MoreHaving more thoughts on this. Even in the beginning when no one is reading your blog (or just your best friend) it;s hard enough to be raw, honest and flawed. Especially if you're a writer and people expect everything to be word perfect. When you have 50k subscribers it must be worse. Please lead the way for us, help us be brave, show us how to get our ideas out there. After all, the blog posts are just a rough draft for the bestselling book?!
102 weeks ago

Penelope Trunk I am starting to think that we can have only one goal at a time. We have the things we do to keep our life going -- to keep the status quo. And we have one goal that is a game changer. Hard to handle more than one game changer. And maybe we shouldn't be bogged down by calling stuff a goal that is really maintenance. What do you guys think? Or maybe I'm just toying with the idea of being an underachiever.

102 weeks ago from Monthly Goal Meet-Up

Kenji Crosland and Rebecca Thorman recommended this

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Kenji Crosland: Having one big goal or project at a time is great for focus. Instead of having one's attention diluted by too many commitments, you have your ...MoreHaving one big goal or project at a time is great for focus. Instead of having one's attention diluted by too many commitments, you have your mental resources focused on just one. I've done this my self on a big project I've worked on and I don't regret not doing the things I didn't do for a minute. It gave me plenty of time and energy to focus on the big things that really matter.
102 weeks ago

Scott Keegan: I agree Penelope. Too many goals is like trying to multi-task, and our brains are just not wired that way. Also, many people confuse tasks for goals.
102 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh One of the things that I tell new people on Brazen Careerist is that asking good questions is the best way to become a Top Member. This is the same when you are looking for a job, too. BUT, asking good questions isn't always easy. So I'm going to ask the experts: What questions should young professionals ask their potential employers?

106 weeks ago from Ask A Coach, Human Resources and JobSTART 101 1 more

Richard Dedor, Hannah Kane and Jason H. Parker recommended this

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Bradley Davidson: I agree with Ed. As an interviewer, I want to know how my investment in you (the interviewee) is going to pay off for me in my organization. So, ...MoreI agree with Ed. As an interviewer, I want to know how my investment in you (the interviewee) is going to pay off for me in my organization. So, the more you can ask about the organization, it's vision/goals/priorities/challenges, etc., the more you can position yourself in the interview to be "the answer" to the company's search!

Also, remember that you are interviewing the company. You want to be sure this is the right company for you. So, it's good to ask questions about the organization's values, priorities, culture, etc.

Good luck to all of you who are searching for jobs! Remember, keep a positive attitude!

Brad
103 weeks ago

Tony Deblauwe: Similar Ed - root cause and strategy-talk is best. Shows you are engaged and a problem solver.
101 weeks ago

Danver Chandler So, I was wondering; How does an employee address a boss that's not professional when giving directives? How does the employee know when he/she has gone too far and over-stepped their boundaries in 'business professionalism' (aka politeness in the real world)? Then, in what manner would a professional address their boss? Oh, and a side note, I'm not talking about sexual harassment here, I'm just asking about straight-up rudeness!

107 weeks ago from Inspiring Leadership

Carmille recommended this

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Scott Asai: I think it depends on how bad you want to stay there...I doubt many "bosses" would take "constructive criticism" well unless you had a pretty good ...MoreI think it depends on how bad you want to stay there...I doubt many "bosses" would take "constructive criticism" well unless you had a pretty good relationship with them
106 weeks ago

Morana Medved: I would caution against asking "are you feeling ok" unless you have a relationship with a boss that allows for asking a potentially private ...MoreI would caution against asking "are you feeling ok" unless you have a relationship with a boss that allows for asking a potentially private question. I was in this situation before and had a conversation addressing that I felt that rudeness might be a reaction to my perceived incompetency and I outright asked if he wanted to keep me in position or wanted me gone since he was acting like he wanted me gone. It was extremely scary (I had another job lined up, just in case), but it worked and resulted in a great working relatioship. There was no HR to consult, either. I think in order to get real results, you have to be ready to risk a lot to, whether you go to HR or boss directly. Bottom line, are you ok with being treated this way from now on?
106 weeks ago

Tariq West Anyone know of tools besides twitterfeed, rss2twitter and dlvr.it that feed rss to twitter? Open-source and self-hosted would be ideal.

107 weeks ago from Tech Gurus and Social Media

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Tariq West: I didn't realize I could do this in Hootsuite, perfect! BTW, http://dlvr.it is ...MoreI didn't realize I could do this in Hootsuite, perfect! BTW, http://dlvr.it is also great now that I got it working. Thanks for all the replies!
107 weeks ago

Blake Moser: I like it. Thanks for sharing.
107 weeks ago

Patrick Pho Hey coffee lovers- I have a question for y'all! I'm sitting here at my desk sipping my ice coffee and checking work mail when I reached the end of my tasty, cold, delight! Now I have a cup full of ice and it makes me wonder if I'm getting less bang for my buck when I order an Iced Coffee. Sure the cup is bigger but the ice does take up more room... what do you guys think?

107 weeks ago from Coffee

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Scott Keegan: Or maybe you could skip the ice and just drink real coffee? ;-)
107 weeks ago

Patrick Pho: I hate waiting for hot coffee to cool- what can I say I'm picky :0)
107 weeks ago

Scott Keegan Great blog post on interviewing the interviewer - http://goo.gl/2oW3. There is an excellent run-down of the sort of questions you should be asking during your interview to determine if the company and the team you'll be joining is right for you. I've followed a similar process myself lately and can attest that it is a very useful technique.

108 weeks ago from Resume Feedback and JobSTART 101

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Scott Keegan: In my opinion once you've got some decent experience under your belt then the education should move to the bottom of your CV, unless you're ...MoreIn my opinion once you've got some decent experience under your belt then the education should move to the bottom of your CV, unless you're looking for academic/education work that is. Most people want to see what you've achieved before worrying about your grades.

Secondly, as much as a pain as it can be, you do need to tailor your CV for each role, and in your case, each sub-section of your industry areas. I have several versions of my CV that match different areas of IT I have experience in and I tailor them for each role I apply for, but once you have a strong CV in each area the tailoring is really just a bit of tweaking.

One other tip I've often given my team's over the years is to make a list of everything you've achieved. That helps with reviews, but when you're searching for a new role it gives you a great pick-list of things to put on your CV. Just make sure they're achievement oriented rather than task oriented and you'll be good to go.
107 weeks ago

L. E.: Thank you for your sincere advice! I really like the idea of creating an achievement's list.
107 weeks ago

Tameem Qazi Hi - im in the process of relocating to London on a valid work permit. I come from an IT background and have strong experience in offshore software development services models & practices due to my work experience with an offshore technology vendor firm. I'd really appreciate help/advice with job hunting and networking in london.

108 weeks ago from London Brazen Careerists

Scott Keegan: Hi Tameem. The best online job boards IMHO you should search are; MoreHi Tameem. The best online job boards IMHO you should search are; www.totaljobs.co.uk, www.cwjobs.co.uk and www.jobserve.co.uk. They cover most of the roles on the market at any given time. Networking is a bit tougher, London's a big place but my advice would be to have a hunt around LinkedIn, I'm pretty sure there's some IT networking groups on there.

Hope you find something quickly, London's an expensive town!
108 weeks ago

Tameem Qazi: Thankyou Scott. Actually i'll be staying in Croydon with my sister. I already have linkedin and a couple of other networks on my list to explore ...MoreThankyou Scott. Actually i'll be staying in Croydon with my sister. I already have linkedin and a couple of other networks on my list to explore and have posted my resume on quite a few job sites.
108 weeks ago

Niche Doctor has ordered me to cut down the coffee intake. Some nonsense about blood pressure

108 weeks ago from Coffee

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: It seems that doctors have been warning about this for centuries.

Voltaire, who drank copious amounts of coffee throughout his life, was once ...MoreIt seems that doctors have been warning about this for centuries.

Voltaire, who drank copious amounts of coffee throughout his life, was once warned that the beverage was a slow poison. "It must be slow," the philosopher replied, "for I have been drinking it for sixty-five years and I am not yet dead."

From http://bit.ly/cNqlPu
104 weeks ago

Kanav: Its always good to heed to Dr. advice. However, to control BP you can try some alternative health supplements. That will be good for you. I do ...MoreIts always good to heed to Dr. advice. However, to control BP you can try some alternative health supplements. That will be good for you. I do have some from the following company, www.kamadhenuayurveda.com and continue having my fix of coffee :)
104 weeks ago

Scott Keegan Really good blog post about taking control of the interview - http://goo.gl/GgSZ. I particularly liked the sections about leading the interview and interviewing the interviewer.

110 weeks ago from Inspiring Leadership, JobSTART 101 and Resume Feedback 1 more

Alison Rayner: Great questions to ask. I liked the ones about role expectations and how one could exceed expectations and add value to the role.
110 weeks ago

Scott Keegan Well, I've been handing out out advice so I thought it was time for me to ask you all for your feedback on my CV - http://goo.gl/ZVEk. I've been looking for a new role for a couple of months now after taking some time out to travel and look after some family stuff. Getting some good interest so far. Very interested in your thoughts and feedback. Thanks.

110 weeks ago from Resume Feedback

: I would center your heading. Page two looks excellent. Bullets are always a great idea, but I think you need to use more adjectives and verbs.
110 weeks ago

110 weeks ago from Resume Feedback

Deb Garriott Hello all I am an IT professional with deep experience in HR, Payroll and Time systems and functional processes and am seeking a return to Tennessee. Would you kindly give me some feedback on my resume? Thanks very much. http://site.deborahgarriott.com/Experience.html

110 weeks ago from Resume Feedback

Scott Keegan: Hi Deb. It looks like you've got a great deal of experience but I don't think your current CV does it justice. From a purely design point of view, ...MoreHi Deb. It looks like you've got a great deal of experience but I don't think your current CV does it justice. From a purely design point of view, I'm not sure why some of your key strengths at the top are in a boxed table while others aren't? I'd then move the technical skills section down to where your training is, your achievements should jump out near the top of your CV.

In your professional profile section your bullet points are more tasks completed than achievements/results. What did you do that can be measured in some way that made a difference in any of your roles? Or can you rephrase the points you have so that they are achievements as opposed to tasks?

If you can show your achievements in that way I'd think you'd be seen as a very desirable employee.
110 weeks ago

Deb Garriott: Hey Scott.

Thanks very much for taking the time to comment on my resume. Yes, I do have a lot of experience, and in core areas, and I have ...MoreHey Scott.

Thanks very much for taking the time to comment on my resume. Yes, I do have a lot of experience, and in core areas, and I have struggled with how to get the highpoints out there while not overwhelming recruiters.

I appreciate your suggestions and will have another go at this based on your comments.

Again, thanks very much.
Deb
110 weeks ago

Lynn Dessert I am working on a new venture which involves assessments - the kind you do for personal development, career insight, teamwork etc. What is your favorite one and why?

110 weeks ago from Human Resources and Inspiring Leadership

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Lynn Dessert: I posted a similar question on LinkedIn last year and received a tremendous response and your responses are valuable too. It becomes a little ...MoreI posted a similar question on LinkedIn last year and received a tremendous response and your responses are valuable too. It becomes a little difficult to sometimes manage where all the bits of information reside, so I decided to create a post on the blog to capture everyone's great ideas. If you are so inclined to include your voice there http://wp.me/pw2yu-FD, I would be grateful.I just posted it in a number of LinkedIn Groups and look forward to seeing how the trend develops.
109 weeks ago

Bryan Baldwin: I have found the HPI and HDS offered by Hogan Assessments to be the most valid measures, useful for selection as well as development.
109 weeks ago

Andrew Shell It seems that the productivity systems I've seen seem to focus heavily on what you have to get done and how to squeeze more productivity into a day. Has anyone seen a system that helps you filter out what you should be working on in the first place? I think people probably do a lot during the day and they don't even know why they are doing it. Do you think that before you perform an action you should have a clear idea of why you're doing it and what goal it's contributing to?

112 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management

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Scott Keegan: One of the best things I've come across is an add-in for Outlook called Clearcontext (I have no connection with the company btw). It scans all ...MoreOne of the best things I've come across is an add-in for Outlook called Clearcontext (I have no connection with the company btw). It scans all your email and determines who your most important contacts/projects are and applies a colour filter to them so you can quickly see what's there that should be at the top of your list. Has loads of other useful functions as well. I'm lost without it now.
112 weeks ago

Alan Koskelin: I enjoyed "The Trickle List" from Rands in Repose and practicing a modified version of it has been helpful: MoreI enjoyed "The Trickle List" from Rands in Repose and practicing a modified version of it has been helpful: http://www.randsinrepose.com/archives/2008/08/18/the_trickle_list.html
112 weeks ago

Rebecca Thorman Two new services that I'm loving lately - 1) Tungle.me - they let you mark when you're open, and then others can schedule app'ts so there's less back and forth, "scheduling made easy," and 2) Teux Deux (To Do, get it?) - super simple list-making for your to-do list. Great interface and I can't wait for their iPhone app!

113 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management

Lori Fagerholm and Alison Rayner recommended this

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Rebecca Thorman: I used Remember the Milk a couple years ago. The configurable aspect was ultimately my downfall with it. I made it too complicated when I'm really ...MoreI used Remember the Milk a couple years ago. The configurable aspect was ultimately my downfall with it. I made it too complicated when I'm really a paper and pen kind-of girl w/ my to do lists. That's why I think Teux Deux is so cool - it mirrors the simplicity of paper and pen, but still has the usefulness of an app online. I also like the way it's laid out by week/day - very much in sync with how I plan.
113 weeks ago

Alison Rayner: I also really like the someday field on TeuxDeux too. I constantly get ideas I don't know how to categorize because they aren't a "now" idea.
113 weeks ago

Scott Keegan Read a great blog post tip today about giving yourself an extra edge over the other job seekers in your market - http://bit.ly/c3xC80.

114 weeks ago from Resume Feedback

Erica I'm working on re-tooling my resume and could use advice on how to best market my education. I went straight into an M.A. program out of undergrad. Been working part-time positions with a non-profit for the last year, but not in the field in which I got either of my degrees. Some friends have been hesitant to add their M.A. to their resume in fear that it will hinder job prospects -- is there any evidence to bear this out? How can I best market my education, in light of limited experience? Thx!

114 weeks ago from Resume Feedback

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L.J. Acker: I agree with Todd, Erica. I have clients who struggle explaining their Phds to MBA types all of the time. People with Masters degrees do not seem ...MoreI agree with Todd, Erica. I have clients who struggle explaining their Phds to MBA types all of the time. People with Masters degrees do not seem to have the problem as long as they can translate their experience well. As Linda said, work with a pro who understands your goals and intentions and can re-word your communication to achieve your objectives.
114 weeks ago

Erica: Thanks for the input guys. I've still got a lot of thinking to do about where I want to end up, but what you've said has been helpful!
113 weeks ago

Tiffany Monhollon Top Mistakes of New Managers: http://bit.ly/ctsGjk -> Curious this group's thoughts! Also, come leave comments and help me out on the launch of this new site! :)

114 weeks ago from Inspiring Leadership

Scott Keegan recommended this

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Tiffany Monhollon: AWesome! Thanks for the kind words!
114 weeks ago

Tony Deblauwe: Great post Tiffany - I would add role clarity which touches on some of the points. New Managers want control to make sure things are going right ...MoreGreat post Tiffany - I would add role clarity which touches on some of the points. New Managers want control to make sure things are going right and they forget to get out of the way and trust their high performing players.
112 weeks ago

Joseph Tolentino I am new here and I would like to get feedback on my resume. Thanks in advance!

114 weeks ago from Resume Feedback

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Linda Gutin: Hi Joseph,

I agree with both Scott and Delta but suggest you hire a professional resume consultant. (Why, yes, I could be that person, but ...MoreHi Joseph,

I agree with both Scott and Delta but suggest you hire a professional resume consultant. (Why, yes, I could be that person, but whether you hire me or not, you still need one.)

Here's why:

1. You will make your money back and more on that investment -- and you're competing with candidates who have hired a (good) pro.

2. The layout is okay, but a (good!) pro will elicit more accomplishments from you by digging into your background.

3. The summary of qualifications is presented in a redundant manner, using the same phrase several times rather than in the concise manner a (good!) pro will provide. You want the reader to be excited, not bored. (Please don't be offended; my advice is for your best interest!)

4. You will learn a process and superb formatting you can use for the rest of your career -- or until resumes become obsolete!

5. I could go on, but if you'd like to see some testimonials about what my clients got from working with me, say the word and I'll send them to you!

Ciao,

Linda G.
114 weeks ago

Joseph Tolentino: Thank you for all your great advice Scott, Delta, and Linda! I shall put them to good use.
114 weeks ago

Ed Barrientos Trying to finish a presentation, listening to Radiohead, drinking coffee and trying like crazy to concentrate. Am posting to Brazen and not working on my presentation. Must not be concentrating hard enough...

114 weeks ago from Washington D.C. and NOVA

Ryan Healy and Scott Keegan recommended this

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Jay Hepner: Ay, caramba! Cuando se areglan mi cuarto, no encuentro nada! Maybe a little Ragged Glory by Neil Young.
114 weeks ago

Scott Sundsvold: Have you read "Slide:ology" by Nancy Durante? It's inspirational!
114 weeks ago

Scott Keegan Happy to connect with BC's - @scottkeegan

115 weeks ago from Brazen Careerists on Twitter

Scott Keegan Excellent article on having employer value statements in your resume - http://bit.ly/9LAULB. Basically the advice is to make sure your achievements list what value you added for that employer, rather what tasks you completed or what experience you gained.

115 weeks ago from Resume Feedback

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Scott Keegan: I totally agree about acronyms but I think in this instance the writer had qualified them before use, kind of how the do it in legal documents, ...MoreI totally agree about acronyms but I think in this instance the writer had qualified them before use, kind of how the do it in legal documents, but I do agree that they don't really add anything to the article and could have been left out.
115 weeks ago

Delta Waters: tweeted this reply...thanks.
115 weeks ago

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