Editor's Note: Simon O'Mahoney is enjoying a delightful vacation back home in Ireland with his family so this week's column is a repost of one of his classics.
THE RAT RACE (And How to Win It!)
THE RAT RACE (And How to Win It!)
by Simon O'Mahony
Whether
you
need to find a job or are passively exploring new opportunities,
sometimes - well, most of the time - looking for a job feels like a
full-time job itself.
Over the
coming weeks and months I will discuss several topics pertaining to a job
search, everything from creating a resume that works for you to preparing
for the first day on the job. This process can be lengthy and tedious but, with
a few simple tips and suggestions, I will try to make you stand out from your
competition, keep you sane during the process, and hopefully help you land the
job of your dreams!
In
mapping out a job search I will be addressing the following topics:
Creating
a Resume that works for YOU
This blog
will be based around creating a resume that highlights you and your
accomplishments and not just a job that you have done. I will discuss the
importance of matching your resume to a job posting, and discuss the best way
for you to get your resume into the ‘right person’s hands’.
You never
have a second chance to make a good first impression. I will discuss your 30
second elevator commercial. Your time to brag and shine! Have you ever been
introduced to someone who has been on your bucket list only to freeze? You
never know when you will meet someone who has the capability to change your
life, so you have to be prepared to seize the moment.
Your ‘Online’ Face – A Professional Face that represents YOU
This blog
will focus on your ‘online appearance’. I will discuss everything from using LinkedIn.com to its full advantage to the DOs and DON'Ts on Facebook (you
probably knew that was coming!). A few simple steps will eliminate a social
media site that is standing in the way of your dream job.
Your Job
Search Workbook
Everyone
has a company that they would love to work for. I will discuss how to create a
strategic target list that will become your job search workbook. After
identifying target companies I will discuss how to get your foot in the door, and
how to get connected with people within your target companies.
A Strategic Approach to Applying for a Job
This blog
will focus on being strategic when searching for and applying for jobs.
Applying for ‘every’ job you see posted can often do more damage than good. I
will discuss the plan of attack after you see that job of your dreams posted.
How to apply, the follow up, your strategic networking approach to find
contacts, etc.
Getting the Most out of Networking Events, Job Fairs. Continuous Networking
We
have
all done it - “Oh, I should really go to this event and do some
networking," but
when the time comes it can sometimes be painful and your best intentions
go out the window. In the
blog I will discuss having a plan of attack for these events, the DOs
and the DONTs and a guarantee that you will leave with a, “I AM GLAD I
WENT TO THAT EVENT!"
THE
INTERVIEW! Telephone Interviews, SKYPE Interviews, In Person Interviews … Your
chance to shine!
This will
span several blogs! I want to discuss everything from preparing for the
interview, interviewing tips, responding to difficult questions, what questions
to ask and dressing for success. Sounds simple but this is an area where I
could and probably will spend a lot of time!
Here’s to
YOU winning the RAT RACE!
I welcome
any questions, suggestions and feedback,
Simon O'Mahony
Simon O’Mahony, originally from Dublin, Ireland, was personally recruited by Sage Hospitality and joined the organization as a Corporate Recruiter in 2006. In 2009, Simon was promoted into the role of Talent Acquisition Manager for Sage Hospitality and Sage Restaurant Group. Simon is responsible for hiring management positions for Sage Hospitality nationwide and for their corporate office in downtown Denver. He is also involved in overall recruiting initiatives including college recruiting programs, diversity initiatives, and employer branding. Simon works with several local and nationwide agencies, colleges, universities, in order to build a network and pipeline of candidates. In 2009 he was the recipient of the Sage Innovation Award as a result of his use of social media networking to enhance the recruiting process.
Simon O’Mahony, originally from Dublin, Ireland, was personally recruited by Sage Hospitality and joined the organization as a Corporate Recruiter in 2006. In 2009, Simon was promoted into the role of Talent Acquisition Manager for Sage Hospitality and Sage Restaurant Group. Simon is responsible for hiring management positions for Sage Hospitality nationwide and for their corporate office in downtown Denver. He is also involved in overall recruiting initiatives including college recruiting programs, diversity initiatives, and employer branding. Simon works with several local and nationwide agencies, colleges, universities, in order to build a network and pipeline of candidates. In 2009 he was the recipient of the Sage Innovation Award as a result of his use of social media networking to enhance the recruiting process.
When he is not recruiting, (Recruiters
are always working!) Simon enjoys Colorado’s beautiful outdoors. He also
has a passion for photography and while it sounds like a cliché he
loves meeting new people (which is why he probably loves recruiting!).
Simon is a supporter of several non-profit organizations in Denver.
Simon can be reached at Simon.OMahony@SageHospitality.com.