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Todd Nilson

Milwaukee, WI

Managing Director, SPR Companies

Information Technology

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Todd Nilson If you're a big sports fan and would live and work in Chicago, I have an awesome job opportunity that you need to contact me about right away! Hiring developers & math geeks.

56 weeks ago

Jim Parker Personal branding has a myriad of benefits if exercised wisely, but do you err on the side of transparency or discretion? Some are very open online while others are prudent. Sharing information about your work experience and interests may be great for job leads or mentors but it also may have potential risks. What content should users share more or less of in personal branding sites? What are your thoughts on disclosing personal information in social media?

104 weeks ago from Personal Branding

Ryan Paugh and Sadya Siddiqui recommended this

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Angelo Recaman: Nice topic by the way.My view is to be yourself regardless of what other people are thinking about you,just do your work/job/business and similar ...MoreNice topic by the way.My view is to be yourself regardless of what other people are thinking about you,just do your work/job/business and similar or related activities with all your focus, determination and dedication.
104 weeks ago

Jamie Nacht Farrell: I have a bit of a different view on this; I'm honest to a fault. Blunt, candid, etc. I also am a strong believer that the more someone knows ...MoreI have a bit of a different view on this; I'm honest to a fault. Blunt, candid, etc. I also am a strong believer that the more someone knows about me, the less 'surprised' they will be at how I may act - whether business or personal. I post it all. I try to stay away from topics that are typically controversial (I don't give my views, just ask questions), but as for "me"; there isn't much I have to hide. I'm a "what you see is what you get" person.
103 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh Just got back from the Social Recruiting Summit in Minneapolis. My favorite session was led by Andy Drish (a fellow Brazen Careerist). He talked about how technology is advancing faster than any policy or regulation. This creates a paradox for many recruiters. Do you take advantage of the latest and greatest technologies available, or wait for approval? How are you handling this in your organizations?

105 weeks ago from Recruiters Unite!, Human Resources, ERE on Brazen, Corporate Talent Acquisition and Talent Revolution 3 more

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Todd Nilson: Our organization adopted social media tools for recruiting early on, but we were fortunate being a smaller technology company whose leadership ...MoreOur organization adopted social media tools for recruiting early on, but we were fortunate being a smaller technology company whose leadership recognized the potential. The sooner larger enterprises wake up to the fact that they are hobbling their Recruiters from networking on an even playing field, the better.
105 weeks ago

Tony Deblauwe: Most of the recruiters we work with are contractors. Between our tools (enterprise ATS, media, etc) and theirs, the bridge of technologies happen.
102 weeks ago

Good morning everyone. A lot of resumes are forwarded to me with the bullet point "references available upon request." What do y'all think about adding this? Is it necessary? I always thought it was implied.

112 weeks ago from Resume Feedback

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Jamie Nacht Farrell: Unecessary
112 weeks ago

Maruska: All of the above--- and my counselor at Pepperdine said putting in an objective is dated too.. Because the objective is to get the job instead put ...MoreAll of the above--- and my counselor at Pepperdine said putting in an objective is dated too.. Because the objective is to get the job instead put in "Value added" because that's what they want to know --What value do you bring to them.
112 weeks ago

Carmille A friend recommended me to try: http://www.openoffice.org/ . What are your experiences with OpenOffice? Any better alternatives?

113 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management

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Alison Rayner: I really didn't like Open Office, only because I was accustomed to Word & my employer didn't want to purchase the licenses for the Microsoft ...MoreI really didn't like Open Office, only because I was accustomed to Word & my employer didn't want to purchase the licenses for the Microsoft product. The shortcut functions are quite different & there were formatting issues from between Open Office & Word.
113 weeks ago

Todd Nilson: OpenOffice works great. It's just not quite as pretty as the Microsoft Office Suite.
113 weeks ago

elizabeth How does one who has a job on the internet at home make themselves work a productive day and not make themselves get distracted by things going on at home and/or the limitles internet world. What goes through my mind I don"t think untypical. So what if I spend 30 minutes to an hour looking up worthless info on t internet? 30 minutes turns into 2 hrs and 2 hrs turns into all day? what is wrong w me and how do i get past my tendancy to get easily distracted and my procrastination habits?

114 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management

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Amy Curley: Just joined and have to say that this same exact issue is haunting me right now...pretty soon my distractions are 2 hours+. Thought I may be ...MoreJust joined and have to say that this same exact issue is haunting me right now...pretty soon my distractions are 2 hours+. Thought I may be getting lazy in my work, but I think the main issue for me is that my work is self-paced, deadlines are soft, and nobody really hold me accountable. I have to hold myself accountable! Get going! See results! Wake up with a mission, and (maybe) load a software that can babysit me. :) Thanks to all of you, I feel that I am not the only one out there! We all have to overcome our brains and stay on task- be thankful that we have flexible jobs and even have a job at all these days. Now I'm getting back to work.
113 weeks ago

Alison Rayner: I think it's great that we can openly talk about the fact that when we work at home it can be a challenge to stay focused. In a traditional ...MoreI think it's great that we can openly talk about the fact that when we work at home it can be a challenge to stay focused. In a traditional workplace there is a lot of pressure from expectations to stay focused and "work" and that if we're not focused we're not productive. I know from myself that I put a lot of pressure on myself to be focused when I'm working at home and the reality is that I too fall prey to distractions of all varieties. I really enjoy the tips & tools that people have been posting. I've checked out a number of them & I think they will really make a difference in my life & productivity. My favs so far: Tungle.me & TeuxDeux. : ) Thanks!
113 weeks ago

Todd Nilson Keep track of where you're applying. If your resume arrives at the same company for the same job via multiple sources you severely hurt your chances for consideration. #jobhuntchat

114 weeks ago

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

Jim Parker If you list a URL in your resume, which is it and why do you choose to share that link with potential employers? (BrazenCareerist URL, Linkedin, Twitter handle, your personal blog or dotcom, etc.) Sharing your Linkedin URL would be redundant, much like leaving a voicemail with your phone number... right? I'm interested to hear the community's thoughts. Thank you.

114 weeks ago from Resume Feedback

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Brandy Brown: I list my personal website - which links to my blog - which has my twitter feed on it. The contact page has a lot of my networks as well on it... ...MoreI list my personal website - which links to my blog - which has my twitter feed on it. The contact page has a lot of my networks as well on it... but I partially do that because I've gotten compliments on my site before from potential employers and because I have such a common name googling me doesn't get you to me until around page 25.
114 weeks ago

Todd Nilson: This isn't exactly a "one size fits all" sort of question. However, I will say that as redundant as it may seem, most people who have included a ...MoreThis isn't exactly a "one size fits all" sort of question. However, I will say that as redundant as it may seem, most people who have included a URL on their resume have pointed to their LinkedIn profile. I also see the LinkedIn URL regularly on business cards these days, far more frequently than I see a Twitter handle, strangely enough. The LinkedIn URL may not be as redundant as you think, though, as long as you've got your blog, recent Twitter updates, and endorsements properly set up. Those are things I would not normally see on a resume.
114 weeks ago

Dale Beermann Is anyone using Basecamp for project management? I'm evaluating it right now and find it really frustrating. I shift milestones and all of the todos are still under the old dates. It's nearly impossible to effectively change a project plan from what I can tell. Does anyone have other suggestions? Pivotal Tracker looks interesting, and it's free. I need something that can do project management and time tracking for consulting gigs.

115 weeks ago from Freelancing and Tech Gurus

Carmille recommended this

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Dale Beermann: This was all super useful, thanks everyone. I've started looking at a few of these, but I'm starting to settle on Pivotal Tracker. I found out ...MoreThis was all super useful, thanks everyone. I've started looking at a few of these, but I'm starting to settle on Pivotal Tracker. I found out that they have a time tracking feature, you just have to ask to have it enabled. It's also free, and based on agile development, which for me is perfect.
113 weeks ago

Ben Weller: I've used Basecamp, and I found it to be OK. I like the connectivity with FreshBooks... Despite that, I've been with using 5pm (MoreI've used Basecamp, and I found it to be OK. I like the connectivity with FreshBooks... Despite that, I've been with using 5pm (http://www.5pmweb.com/) for months now, and find it quite easy to use. My clients seem to find it valuable as well for collaboration and issue / progress tracking.
113 weeks ago

Todd Nilson Just joined Brazen and am here for career / job search advice & moral support. Based in Milwaukee. Oh, and I also run the Milwaukee JobCamp events (http://www.milwaukeejobcamp.org).

115 weeks ago from Milwaukee

Todd Nilson Just wrote a post on Wisconsin Professional Recruiters Resource (http://www.wisprr.com) asking the network of 200 recruiters and HR pros there what they think of the social résumé idea on Brazen Careerist.

115 weeks ago

Todd Nilson Just joined the Brazen Careerist network. Easy setup and integration with my other feeds. Ready to help job seekers here!

115 weeks ago

Jenn Pedde ATTN Recruiters/Companies/HR pros - would you say that an overwhelming amount of companies are doing their recruiting in house, or using agencies?

115 weeks ago from We're Hiring, Corporate Talent Acquisition, Brazen Careerists in New York City and Global Careers and Business 2 more

Ryan Healy and Stanley Lee recommended this

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Jenn Pedde: Interesting approach Todd. My firm at the moment is low on clients, which I am trying to change.
114 weeks ago

Tameem Qazi: Jenn - in the Pakistani IT market the recruitment is either done in house or via direct advertising through job portals. Even employee referrals ...MoreJenn - in the Pakistani IT market the recruitment is either done in house or via direct advertising through job portals. Even employee referrals are common. Rarely do companies approach recruitment agencies with their staffing needs. One the other hand the UK IT market is fully dominated by recruitment agencies managing companies staffing requirements. I know this coz im one of the members of the job seekers community there.
110 weeks ago

Ryan Healy What are everyone's thoughts on mobile recruiting? Would you want to job hunt on your phone? http://bit.ly/aT5UlX

116 weeks ago from Resume Feedback and We're Hiring

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Nidal: I can imagine hunting for a job by GPS. even visiting the office of companies that are hiring near me right now. Or Applying for those that are ...MoreI can imagine hunting for a job by GPS. even visiting the office of companies that are hiring near me right now. Or Applying for those that are within X distance.
113 weeks ago

Racheal O. Mack: The use of mobile phones for daily errands and research is going to grow leaps and bounds over the next few years according to some recent ...MoreThe use of mobile phones for daily errands and research is going to grow leaps and bounds over the next few years according to some recent articles and research I've been reading so many things such as banking and job searching are going to become more accessible via i phone applications probably being voraciously developed as we speak...
113 weeks ago

Mehul Kar Hey, I'm not from Milwaukee, but I am a student at UW-Whitewater. Anyone heard of it?

117 weeks ago from Milwaukee

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Todd Nilson: I live and work in downtown Milwaukee. My company has offices here, in downtown Chicago (HQ) and in Indianapolis.
115 weeks ago

Michael Francis Cook: I graduated from the UW- Whitewater Art program.
106 weeks ago

Kim N. 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 weight? And how do blogs help you build more "proven results" to strengthen your profile entering the job market.

118 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

Lori Fagerholm recommended this

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Christina Brown: Ideas with grounded results to back it up. I really hope that is what they look up in a future employee.
115 weeks ago

Emanuele Torre: I believe this generally applies:
they hire you for your general competencies, that are the basis on which you will build up, your ...MoreI believe this generally applies:
they hire you for your general competencies, that are the basis on which you will build up, your potential.
Then comes your motivation for the position and the company's mission.
Last but not least, they look for a match between your personality and company's people, if you are a pleasant person to work with.

114 weeks ago

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 previous managers, bosses, HR representatives, etc...

119 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

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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!
115 weeks ago

L.J. Acker: Ms. Lewis, I thought I'd add an article I wrote about the topic here for your reference. It might be able to supplement the advice others have ...MoreMs. Lewis, I thought I'd add an article I wrote about the topic here for your reference. It might be able to supplement the advice others have been kind in sharing: http://www.rejuvination.me/index.php/site/comments/making_the_most_of_yo...
115 weeks 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 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!!

119 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 !!
117 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.
115 weeks ago

Samantha Karol Do you send real thank you notes, e-mail thank you notes, or neither? And why?

121 weeks ago from The Appreciation Revolution

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Sabera (Kapasi) Photographer: I always send hand-written thankyou notes. Shows how genuine the emotion is. And I've noticed it sticks better with people.
115 weeks ago

Todd Nilson: At the very least send an email thank you note. As a rule of thumb, I try to send an email thanks for people I've networked with, gotten advice ...MoreAt the very least send an email thank you note. As a rule of thumb, I try to send an email thanks for people I've networked with, gotten advice from, met for coffee, etc. For employment, it's a nice touch and shows you went to some trouble to send a hand written note. Analog notes just show a more personal touch!
114 weeks ago

Andrea V. Lewis Who's on Twitter? I want to make a Brazeen Community List on my Twitter page. Please reply with your name so I can follow you and add you to my list. Mine = @AndreaVLewis

126 weeks ago from Social Media

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Aaron Brodeur: @brodeur
111 weeks ago

Sam Venable: @samvenable
111 weeks ago

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