Job Doc chat transcript

March 24, 2008

About Our Guest

Pattie Hunt Sinacole chatted with Boston.com readers on Monday, March 24. Pattie is Principal of First Beacon Group LLC, a human resources consulting firm. Pattie works with clients across many industries including technology, biotech and medical devices, financial services, and healthcare, and has over 20 years of human resources experience. Pattie has a BA from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and an MBA from Babson College.

Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Hello Chatters. Welcome to my first live chat of 2008. I see that we already have a few questions that have been submitted. Let me get to the first one submitted by a frustrated higher education professional.

phenom474__Guest_: Hello. I am a 29 year old higher education professional who is stuck. I am in a division that may be phased out in the next year or so and there are no internal positions that would be a fit for me. I have been working on finding new employment for a year and still no interviews. What advise would you give me to get the interview? I feel if I get that far, I've accomplished something.

Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: WHen I read your question, there are quite a few thoughts and pieces of advice to share
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: First, of course check job boards like Boston/Monster and one specific to your industry -- higheredjobs.com too.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: There are lots of employers in the educational consulting services that would look at your background as well.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Tutoring, test prep services and online learning are all hot areas within the ever broadening field of education.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Lots of employers also may consider you for a learning, training and development role.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: The sectors that are currently hiring that you may want to target include bio tech and health care. And med devices, pharma and life sciences. I see no slow down in these areas in Mass.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Make certain that you are actively networking too with colleagues that may know of job leads or even introductions that could lead to opportunities. Networking is super important. Good luck.

lostandfound__Guest_: I am currently working in a sales position for an insurance agency and have been for three years now. I really am looking to make a switch out of this industry and into something with a greater sense of purpose. What is the easiest way to make a transition out of a sales position into a different profession? Any suggestions would be helpful.

Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: I hear this alot now. People looking for greater meaning in what they are doing.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Lucky for you sales skills are very often quite easily transferred to other industries. Have you considered employers in the non profit space or health care?
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: The trick is to emphasize your strong track record of selling. There are some employers that feel that they can teach the product or service and would take a look at someone from outside of their industry.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Again, networking is key for you. Beyond your industry. Also, you may want to check out your alumni association -- there are often good contacts within alumni associations that might be helpful.

brc__Guest_: I have some computer skills, and am thinking about getting some IT-related certifications to get a steady job (I'm in construction right now ... not doing too well). Is this a smart move? Are entry level IT jobs hard to get?

Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Great question...
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Entry level IT roles are in virtually every industry.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: And I can see why you are looking beyond construction. Because of the mortgage "mess", many related industries have experienced a downturn, including
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: real estate, construction, etc.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: I would suggest first reviewing the entry level IT roles available on different job boards. You should be able to enter IT and entry level and see what comes up.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: My guess is that you would see quite a few jobs out there with these key words. Then you can review the qualifications. Most entry level IT roles don't require a college degree but may require the technical certifications that you mention.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: That being said, I am a strong proponent of undergraduate degrees. The research supports the link between having an undergraduate degree and earning more dollars over your life time. And there is research to suggest that college grads live longer!
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: So, it is absolutely worth spending a few hours on a Saturday looking at opportunities in the field of IT and then developing a plan for how to enter that field.

MilesToGo__Guest_: Is professional courtesy dead? How come no one ever gets back to job applicants on the status of a search? Then when you see new openings at the same place, you have no idea whether you should apply or not. If I didn't get even an acknowledgement the first time, why go theough the motions again? I feel like I could spend every hour of my day following up on all the jobs I've applied to...

Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Hi Miles to Go -- I am sorry that you have experienced this problem.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: It is an old problem too. It is the most common complaint that I hear from job applicants.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: What most hiring managers find is that they will post a job and then they receive hundreds of resumes and inquiries.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Honestly, the hiring manager has a difficult time keeping up with all these emails, faxes, inquiries in addition to still doing their "regular" job.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: What I also hear is that some of the resumes and applications received are not in line with the qualifications required.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: But you are right. It is professional courtesy issue. Some companies are better than others. Some managers are better than others.

daisy__Guest_: Hi Pattie, I am a 50+ yo, recently out-of work, worked 15 years for my last company (no work, hence laid off). My concerns - should I try to disguise my age (not giving specific dates on prior jobs and education)? How - or do I - reveal my most recent salary? I have varied experience - 2 professions and actual experience in 'hybrid' projects/consulting...is my earlier experience worth anything? Thanks

Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Hi Daisy -- Thanks for your question. Fifteen years of experience at one company - wow!
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: 15 years at one company is uncommon these days but a plus for sure!
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: I would suggest not including any dates around your education -- this is for a candidate of any age.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: On prior jobs, I would suggest providing years but not months (it is cleaner and not as cluttered).
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: It sounds like your prior experience would be very valuable to add to your resume so I would suggest including them.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: I would also network and check out job boards. Both are good sources of job leads. Recruiters can be helpful too.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: I still do prefer a chronological resume (where you start with your most recent role and work backwards). I think it is easier for a prospective employer or hiring manager to easily review your qualifications and/or skills.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Good luck with your search. And I don't see the need to hide your age but truly you want to focus on your skills, qualifications and the value you can bring to a new employer.

brc__Guest_: Are undergraduate degrees really necessary? How often do hiring managers look at education experience? Is job experience more valuable?

Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: I am so glad you asked the question. I get asked this question all the time because I always express my strong opinions about the topic!
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: You are right on one hand. Job experience is the most critical hiring criteria (or should be!)
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: And relevant job experience too. Past performance in a similar role is the best predictor of future success.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: But I still with my original position. I have seen a hiring manager interview 2 candidates --- both very strong candidates. They struggle with their selection.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Often times though the differentiator is the undergrad degree (or lack of). So when presented with 2 candidates and one has it and one doesn't.... the degree usually wins.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: And in Mass, we are well-educated state. We have more college grads than most states. Students come to Boston to study and some stay. Then we also have us who grew up in this area and went to school here.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: And if you look at the data, college grads do make more money over their lifetimes than non college grads. So I am sticking to my original position! Thanks for the question though.

Johnny_Management__Guest_: Currently I am a manager at my company. I get more satisfaction out of doing the senior role (job I currently supervise). I'm thinking of changing jobs to obtain a senior position - How would I market myself going from a management role to an individual contributor type role?

Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Hi Johnny Management -
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: This is a pretty common dilemma. The person who does very well (and enjoys) an individual contributor role but advances into a management role and guess what...
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: The management role that they have been striving for is not exactly as fun, as exciting or as enjoyable as they thought it would be.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: I think your dilemma is more common than you think though.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: I think your story would go something like this:
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: I am passionate about what I do. In particular, I love XYZ. I always thought that striving for a management role was my definition for success.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Now that I am in that role, I realize that I spend less time on XYZ and I would like to return to a like that again.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Give you current company the first chance though if you are happy with them as an employer. Too many employees just ship because of a situation like yours. And then realize that they could have moved into an individual contributor role within the company.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: I am so glad you asked this question because it is far more common than you think!

northshorehunter__Guest_: Hello Pattie, I started working with a recruiter after I finished an advanced degree to find a job that's at least a level up from where I'm at now. Mostly what my recruiter sends me are jobs that are on par with my current level in terms of job duties. She'll ask me what I think of the jobs, and I say that's not really what I'm looking for and tell her why. What's the best way to re-approach this / start new with another recruiter? If I wanted to stay at the same level, I'd stay where I'm at now.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Hello Northshorehunter --

Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: I am not sure of your industry. There are some industries right now that are briskly hiring and some that are not.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: It sounds like you should have an honest discussion with your recruiter though. "This is what I am doing....." and "THis is what I would like to be doing...." Try to highlight the differences.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: It may be that your recruiter doesn't understand the differences between the 2 levels as you see them. I would give her some time - 30, 45 days.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: If you feel like she is still showing you lateral moves, it may be time to move on. But be candid with her so she knows why. Good luck with your search. Congrats on the completion of your recent advanced degree!

sms__Guest_: what have you found are the key success factors for working part-time or job sharing?

Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Hi -- great question and a little unusual so let's chat about it....
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: I have found 2 critical success factors for part-time work and/or job sharing.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: There may be others but 2 that jump out to me are organization. For both job sharing and working a part-time schedule. You have to be very good about prioritzing and projecting upcoming demands.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: I think communication is also important, esp in a job share. And you need a communication system that works for both job share partners. Will it be email? A master list?
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: A daily or weekly conference call? A folder of follow up items? How to reach each other in a crisis? It can work but I think both parties have to be expert communicators and well organized. Great question and thanks for asking it!

MilesToGo__Guest_: So if no one gets back to you for one position, and another comes open that you may be appropriate for, should you apply again? Does anyone keep resumes on file or is that just one big unspoken joke among employers and recruiters?

Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Good follow up question!
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Thanks for asking because you are being brutally honest and I respect that! I recommend applying again. Who knows -- the hiring manager may have changed. The qualifications or location may have changed.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: The company may be looking for more than one person. But also I would encourage you to follow the directions. If they say, no phone calls, pls don't call. IF they say email your resume, don't fax it in.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Companies and recruiters (in most instances) really do try to manage candidates, the openings, budgets etc... but it can be overwhelming. Positive persistence can pay off. Hang in there.

daisy__Guest_: Should a job applicant reveal current salary? I have been told that giving that info only serves to allow a prospective employer to match the compensation to the person's minimum and not to the experience and the specifics of the posted position.

Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: HI Daisy -- good question. And a tricky one too.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Usually in the initial stages of the selection process, you don't have to reveal your current salary. But that may change.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: As a company becomes more interested in your skills, they may need to know that info. Not necessarily to match you to a minimum but to make sure that both the prospective employer and candidate are in the same ballpark.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: There is nothing worse than a candidate revealing a salary in the final stages of the selection process that is way out of the range for available position.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: And companies do have ranges. Some are written but some are not. They may have hired several people in a similar role recently and they don't want to disturb "internal equity."
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: So you should never mention on your resume but expect to discuss it at some point in the selection process. Also, it would be helpful for you to bring it up too.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: For example, you could say "hey do you have a ballpark range of the salary for this position?" or
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: "can you tell me what you usually pay someone for the available position?"
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: But remember there is more to the compensation picture than base salary. The opportunity, the company, the benefits, etc. are all part of a bigger picture.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Ok, chatters. We have reached the magic hour of 1pm. Thanks for all of your questions. Please consider joining my colleague, Elaine Varelas in 2 weeks! Elaine is a wealth of knowledge and also a fellow Job Doc columnist. You can join her on Monday, April 7th at noon! Thanks again!