WERQ! Career Advice for Gay Men

Simon O'Mahony

by Simon O'Mahony, the Undercover Recruiter

 

There are three things you need to know this week if you are a Denver-area job seeker. And in the interest of keeping things short and sweet, here they are:

1. Awesome information from LinkedIn about finding out the true reach of your network. Did you know a professional network like LinkedIn can give you access to a million professionals - and who knows how many more opportunities - through your 2nd and 3rd degrees, even when you have only 100 connections?

2. Explore new career opportunities with Sage Hospitality. According to Sage Hospitality, "To deliver the type of outstanding experience we aim to provide our guests, we need remarkable individuals who are passionate and committed to making a difference." If this sounds like you, then explore the career positions that Sage Hospitality has to offer. Among the openings are one for General Manager for the JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek.

3. Denver After Work is a business and social networking event company. The events are created for professionals who want to expand their network, create new business opportunities, and mingle with other professionals. The events range in size from 200-600 professionals and take place in Denver's best bars, nightclubs, and hotels.

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.

WERQ! Career Advice for Gay Men

By Simon O'Mahony

This column may be a bit short this week, but you're sure to find it worthwhile nonetheless.

LinkedIn will be conducting a series of free, monthly, 60-minute webinars designed to help job seekers learn strategies and best practices to leverage LinkedIn at every stage of the job search.


Topics will include:

• Increase your visibility with recruiters in your industry
• Reach out to hiring managers directly
• Overcome common job search challenges
• Leverage the secrets of successful job seekers

Click here to register for the next webinar on March 14.

WERQ! Use a headhunter to help find that perfect job

By Simon O'Mahony
Sometimes - well, most of the time - finding a new job can feel like a full time job in itself. So why not have someone help you? Someone who can open doors for you and get you exposed to a world of opportunities that you may not find posted on the internet - a recruiter or headhunter!

Here are the main benefits of partnering with a recruiter or a headhunter:

1. Recruiter Services are FREE!
The majority of recruiters are paid by the hiring company. They get paid if you get hired. So in essence, they need YOU.

2. Resources
Since a recruiter will get paid if they place you they will typically offer FREE advice on resumes, interviews, follow-up, etc. They will coach you through the entire hiring process. That kind of advice can be invaluable.

3. Contacts!
A seasoned recruiter will have hundreds of contacts that they can get your resume in front off. This helps eliminate the frustration of applying online and the uncertainty of wondering where your resume will end up.

4. Leg Work!
If you are currently working and looking to make a change, then finding time to search online for a new job can be challenging. A recruiter will be doing that work for you, making calls, contacting connections, hiring managers, etc., and getting your resumes into the right people’s hands.

5. Recruiters Often Have Access to Unpublished Jobs
There are several companies who, for confidentiality reasons, do not publically publish or post all of their open positions. Probably one of the only ways to know about these positions is by working with a recruiter.

6. Confidentiality
If you are currently working and looking for a new job, you always run the risk of your current company finding out that you are looking. Working with a recruiter eliminates this as they will 100 percent guarantee confidentiality when sending out your resume.

7. Negotiating
A recruiter can help you negotiate the best salary and terms. Also, a good recruiter knows when to stop negotiating.

8. Final Tips
Always be 100 percent honest with your Recruiter. They should be someone you can trust and be totally honest with. And never go behind a recruiter's back if they share a lead with you. Bad job karma, that.

If you are interested in working with a recruiter or headhunter, contact me directly at Simon.OMahony@SageHospitality.com and I will personally refer you.


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.

WERQ! Career Advice for Gay Men

You Better WERQ! Network, That Is!

Own and Work the Room – Making the Most of Networking Events
 

by Simon O'Mahony, the Undercover Recruiter

Networking is the art of building alliances. It is not contacting everyone that you know when you are looking for a new job and asking if they know of any openings. Networking starts long before a job search and you probably don’t even know that you are doing it! Over 70% of all jobs are found through networking. 

 Networking may sound intimidating but it is much easier than you think. It is nothing more than getting to know people. Whether you realize it or not, you are already networking everyday and everywhere you go. Striking up a conversation in Starbucks, meeting a friend of a friend, bumping into an old work colleague, or chatting with your neighbor … everyone you meet can possibly help you with your job search and assist you with tapping into the hidden job market. 

Now, to take this to the next level, you need to create a strategy to expand your network with business professionals that can help you. But you don’t need to attend every networking event - choose the ones that make sense for you. And when you do attend a networking event, have the following goals in mind:

Be memorable. When someone sees your business card or hears your name after the event you want them to remember you.

Gather information. It is not about you handing out as many business cards as possible, but gathering as many as possible. Make brief notes on business cards which will allow you to follow up with individuals in an appropriate manner. 

What can you do for others? Don’t take the approach that “this networking event is all about me”. Create values for others, how can you be of service to others. Think volunteer work etc.

Follow these simple tips for a successful event:

• Dress appropriately
• Arrive on time
• Introduce yourself…don’t wait for people to talk to you
• Extend your hand with a firm and friendly handshake
• Rehearse your introduction
• Make business card exchanges meaningful. Take notes.
• Enter group conversations sensitively and exit conversations politely

FOLLOW UP with new acquaintances.

What is the point of networking if you don’t follow up and create a relationship? The key to successful networking is to show you are interested in the people you meet. For the most impact, sending a personal handwritten note - by regular mail, within 24 to 48 hours - to every person you met and reconnected with at a networking opportunity is the best. Emailing and placing a personal telephone call is also appropriate, including writing or calling someone who has helped give you leads and referrals. Be sure to fulfill any promises you made to people you’ve met.  

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.

WERQ! Career Advice for Gay Men

Lights, Camera, Action … Get ready, your next job interview might be on Skype! 

by Simon O'Mahony, the Undercover Recruiter

In an effort to save time and money a lot of companies are now turning to video-chat software to interview job candidates. Like everything else, practice makes perfect. Getting past camera shyness and not speaking face to face can be a challenge but here are some tips on how you should handle a Skype interview.

Look into the camera, not at your screen 
This takes practice. Natural instinct is to look at the screen but by not looking into the camera if gives the impression that you are not making eye contact with the interviewer.

Get rid of interruptions and distractions
Since you will be probably doing your interview from the comfort of your home, be aware of interruptions. As with an in-person interview, turn off your cell phone, make sure you dog is not barking in the background, make sure loud music is not playing in the next room, and be sure to let roommates or family members know that you are conducting an interview so they don’t barge in on you.

Background Check
Your background surroundings can say a lot about you. If possible shoot your camera against a blank wall, and make sure you clear off your desk. Remove clutter, coffee cups etc.
 
Dress for Success
Treat this like an in-person interview. Be professional, properly groomed, clean and simple. Do not take the risk of putting on a shirt and tie and wearing shorts or pajama bottoms and thinking the camera won't see it. Too many things can go wrong!

Conduct a Mock Interview
Ask a friend or family member to conduct a mock interview via Skype and record it. This gives you the opportunity to get comfortable with the technology, to check your connections and camera, and also allows you to see how you look and sound on camera. Another idea is to practice in front of a mirror as this not only helps you with the content of your message but will familiarize you with how you sound and how you look.

Get to know proper Web Cam Etiquette 
You do not want to sit too close to the camera. However, you do want to lean in and sit forward. This will allow interviewers to clearly read your facial expressions. Again, look at the camera, and not the screen. Put your hands where you can see them so the interviewer can read your body language and other non-verbal cues. Add extra enthusiasm and keep your answers clear, concise and to the point.



Congratulations, you've nailed your Skype interview!

Next Week: Did you know that over 70% of jobs are found through networking? Watch out for next week’s column about getting the most of networking. 

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.

WERQ it on out with DJ Shane Stiel

WERQ it out with the latest circuit house and tribal Werq podcast from DJ Shane Stiel.

Colorado-born DJ Shane may have headed out west to tear things up on the San Diego and San Francisco nightlife scenes but he'll be back for regular gigs here in Denver all summer.

Stay tuned for more details.

DJ Shane Stiel: WERQ

Check out the latest WERQ podcast from Denver's DJ Shane Stiel.