Ask Eric Anything: Help! Unemployment Is Getting The Best Of Me

Eric Kehela enjoys being a full time life enthusiast with a zest for the finer things in life which include positive thinking and manifesting a wonderful day each day; he is multilingual and holds a BA in Speech Communications from San Francisco State University and is pursuing an MS in Professional Counseling. 

With a passion for writing and performing, Eric uses his honed skills and intuition to guide, communicate and connect with the people around him. 

The best advice he can give is, “Grow from light and always find truth within you. Reach for the galaxies, shoot beyond the stars and always aim with your heart.”

 Dear Eric,

I have been job hunting for almost a year with very little luck and the longer I'm unemployed, the more freaked out and depressed I get. I have less and less self-confidence every day and I'm finding that, on the rare occasions I do get called for an interview, my nervousness and insecurity gets the best of me. I'm a sweaty, incoherent mess and I can't seem to answer even the simplest questions. And every interview I flub makes me worse the next time. It's a vicious cycle and I'm not sure what to do about it.

Anonymous

Dearest Anonymous,

Before you begin your career-quest, you must first look within yourself and answer the most important question: What makes you happy? 

Do not look for a job praying not to get it. Self-defeating behavior and thought-forms can only perpetuate your current situation, thus keeping you from realizing and accomplishing your goals. 

Make a career move which allows the freedom to grow, whilst saving for your future. Do some web searching, revamp your resume and cover letter with examples provided, as you can always learn by example. 

Instead of visiting craigslist, search companies online that resonate most with your ideals, level of professionalism and apply; follow up within three days with a phone call. Use positive visualization to draw the perfect job towards you. Perhaps you need to reach beyond your comfort-zone and apply for a position a few miles away from home. If you are car-less, try using public transportation to assist you in your travels. 

Break through the barriers of doubt and frustration, overwhelming yourself by taking up more than you can handle can cause you stress and lead the perpetuation of the cycle you are in. Be confident not cocky; remember, attitude is everything and you must make yourself shine. 

Check out Starbucks Coffee (http://www.starbucks.com/career-center), they offer wonderful health-benefits for part time employees such as medical, dental, vision, 401k, stock options, tuition reimbursement, corporate discounts and a free pound of coffee or box of tea – a week. If changing the world, one cup at a time does not suit you; check out other Fortune 100 companies to work for (http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/best-companies/2013/list/?iid=bc_lp_toprr) as these always offer promise and room for growth. 

Only you can stop yourself from reaching your goals. Lastly, do not compromise your beliefs and ideals; focus on what you want and get it. Use your creativity and create a vision board with inspiring words and images evoking success.

Know you have the perfect job waiting for you; the perfect job is now manifest. And it is so! Remember my motto: “Reach for the galaxies, shoot beyond the stars, and always aim with your heart.”

Dust yourself off, and take flight! Now go get ‘em tiger!

Eric Kehela has worked as a life-coach and therapist and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Professional Counseling. His goal is to make a difference and help others along the way. 

The Gay Vegans: Unemployed

By Dan Hanley

I have always used this blog to write about Mike and I, equality, compassion, being vegan, and our experiences of being a gay, vegan couple in the suburbs. I have shared the good and the bad in my life, and decided this morning to continue that tradition.

Yesterday I was laid off. In my professional life I am a fundraiser, a Director of Development. I had rocked it for almost two years at our local opera company. Loved my job. After a very tough year in fundraising my boss decided that cutting back would begin with me.

I wasn't surprised. Life had become dark at work in the past week. A lot of closed door meetings and no communication at all.

When my boss called me down to his office and I walked in to see him and our Human Resources guy, I was honestly relieved. He told me his story of why, my HR guy gave me some paperwork, and I headed back to my office. Tears were shed by some of my peers. I was grateful for their kindness and support, and for helping me move out of my office!

Although I never really quite fit in at this company, I did love it, and already miss a few of my co-workers. I will also miss many things around the opera performances, which kind of surprises me.

I had one job interview/chat yesterday afternoon and have another on Monday.

And so less than 24 hours after being laid off I am in my dining room surrounded by the furries doing job searches, trying to not be angry with being let go and thinking that I have a full day today to rock it.

A friend and professional peer is taking me to my favorite Mexican restaurant, Tarascos, for lunch. That's my only solid plan for the day.

I have never been unemployed, so this is new to me. I have been fortunate to always be the one who gets a call asking if I am interested in a job.  I feel like I was born to fundraise but who knows what my new adventure looks like.

I promise not to inundate you with blog posts, yet I will keep you posted. Meanwhile, if you hear of a fundraising job with an organization that you think is making the world a better place, let me know.

Thank you for reading! 

This post originally appeared on Dan Hanley's website The Gay Vegans. Republished with permission.

WERQ! Career Advice for Gay Men

Consider it Your Autobiography and NOT Your Resume - Make it a Best Seller!

By Simon O'Mahony

Most people dread the idea of having to write a resume. You have very limited opportunity to capture and hold a reader’s attention, so your resume has to be both informative but also compelling so as you stand out from your competition. The best examples of both informative and compelling resumes are made up of five key components. Follow these while writing your one page autobiography and you are guaranteed to have a resume that will grab readers’ attention and compel them to take a second look.

*The Beginning
The ‘Objective’ should not be generic and boring. This is your opportunity to shine. Consider it a quick summary of you. Use this opportunity to sell yourself using dynamic and action oriented words. Include your major accomplishments, education, and your personal traits. It’s all about you!

*List your Accomplishments
What are your major accomplishments? What are the highlights of your career? Once you determine these, it is time to make them shine. Include 5 or 6 bullet points of your top professional achievements. Don’t bore people with a job description but compel them with your achievements and quantify when possible, e.g. increased sales by 24% in 2012.

*Highlight your relevant areas of expertise
If responding to an ad, carefully examine what the employer is looking for, and try to determine what the hiring manager will be looking for as they review resumes. You should tailor your resume for every position you are applying to.

*Highlight your academic career
This is especially important if you are a recent graduate. Include any relevant coursework, internship/externship experience, volunteer experience, awards etc.

*Outline your work experience
In the sections that outlined your professional accomplishments and areas of expertise, you detailed the reasons why you're a great fit for the position. In this section, you'll provide the "who, when, and where" of your past experience. You can order this section chronologically, or sort past jobs by category -- whichever method best emphasizes your strengths.

Again, think of it as your autobiography. Go shine, and talk about YOU!

Originally from Dublin, Ireland, 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

Seven Ways to Blow your Job Interview

By Simon O'Mahony

Congratulations, you have landed a job interview, and with some serious competition in the job market, you don’t want to blow it. There are a lot of great things you should do and ask in a job interview, but more importantly there are a lot of things you should not do, and something’s you should avoid all together. Here are a few things that make me itch when interviewing people.

1.     A loose handshake. It is an immediate turn off. You should always greet your interviewer with a good firm handshake and good eye contact. A loose handshake shows lack of confidence and passion.

2.     Slouching. Sit up straight in your chair. Slouching shows lack of interest and lack of confidence. Good posture is a direct expression of confidence and shows you will not be intimidated by an interviewer.

3.     Nervous habits. We all have them. However, you need to make a point of abolishing them during your interview. They become a major distraction to the point where an interviewer may spend more time watching you twitch rather than listening to what you are saying.

4.     The Debbie Downer. The interviewer will be trying to determine if you will be a good culture fit, fit well with the team, and overall be a fun and positive person to work with. Avoid negative comments and a pessimistic attitude as people generally want to surround themselves with upbeat, positive people.

5.     Saying NO when you are asked if you have any questions. This is simple. Saying "no" shows complete lack of interest in the company and the position. Having questions prepared shows you are interested, inquisitive, and generally are passionate about the company and the position.

6.     The Chatty Cathy.  Talking a mile-a-minute is an annoyance and a hindrance. The interviewer should not have to try to control the conversation to the point it becomes a distraction. Allow the interviewer to get his or her word in, and if you notice you are rambling, take a deep breath and shorten your answers and keep them relevant.

7.     No Resume. You probably have applied online and sent your resume to a recruiter, however always, always, bring a few printed resumes with you.

Originally from Dublin, Ireland, 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.

Nice to See StevieB: Lose the Suit

By Stevie B

I decided recently that spending my life sitting in a cubical under florescent lights hammering away on resumes is not the life I need.  I have been in the boring, yet safe human resources field for twelve years. Change in my life was clearly needed.

Yesterday I had my first interview for an amazing new job. I adorned my “interview suit” and headed to a local health club for a management position. As I sat down in the waiting room I sized up my competition. Clearly I had been in the corporate world a little too long. It quickly dawned on me that of the ten other interviewees; I was the only one in a suit. Being a health club, the standard dress is polo shirts and khakis. Everyone around me, including the staff conducting the meetings, sported athletic wear. 

As we began the interview, I was asked why I wanted to leave a comfortable office job for the chaos of a gym. I tap-danced through my beliefs of always wanting a crazy job with the buzz and excitement. The standard questions you give in an interview, the ones I’m usually asking, were easy to answer. It’s funny and very true that the hardest person to interview is someone who has worked in hiring and recruiting.

Sitting in the Manager’s office in my imported power tie, and after I unintentionally corrected the interviewer’s knowledge of labor law, we both attempted to see if I was not a square peg being forced into a round hole. She asked about my passion for the fitness industry. I did my best to explain that I’m really just a gym guy.  I truly live in gym shorts and tee shirts and I’m most happy out on my bike or at the gym. At the end of the interview I had the overwhelming urge to rip off my tie and shirt and show my hole filled undershirt.

The lesson I learned is to dress the part. Dress for the job you want.

We will see if I get a call back.

This post originally appeared on Steven Bennet's website Nice to See StevieB. Republished with permission.

WERQ! Career Advice for Gay Men

Ask This, Not That…..

By Simon O'Mahony

The one question you are guaranteed to be asked at every single interview is “Do you have any questions to ask me?"

Never say "No."

When asked what questions you have, there is no excuse not to be prepared. Having a list of questions prepared in your head is fine, but after a long interview you will be exhausted and you run the risk of forgetting your questions. Having a list of questions with you will eliminate the risk of forgetting but more importantly will show the interviewer that you are prepared, professional, and taking the job interview seriously.

The best way to answer the question is with a “Yes, I prepared some questions for you. Do you mind if I refer to them now?” This response is respectful and it shows that you know how to plan and prepare.

Answering the question with a simple “No” tells the interviewer that you are not really interested in the job.  A huge turnoff!

Answering the question with a list of “inappropriate” questions is a big mistake. As a recruiter this is one of my biggest pet peeves. It always leaves the impression that you are more interested in what’s in it for me, rather than wanting to learn more. Some of these questions are important, e.g. salary and benefits, but there will be other opportunities and a more appropriate time to ask these questions.

Here are a few questions you should stay clear of:

• How often do you get paid here?
• Can I work from home?
• What kind of benefits other than medical, etc... do you offer?
• Can I work flexible hours?
• So what exactly does this company do?
• So, did I get the job?
• When I take time off for vacation?
• Will I have to do a drug test?

The BEST question to end an interview with is: “So based on our conversation today, do you have any concerns that I could address which would prevent me from moving on in the process?” It leaves the interviewer with a great impression and allows you to address any concerns without giving the interviewer time to ponder and think on any concerns.

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

Looking for new ways to network? Forbes.com has just the thing for you. Read 5 New Ways to Network That You Won't Dread and learn how to Reinvent the Meet-and-Mingle, Be In With the In Crowd, Take Up A Cause, Work It and Reconnect With Your Passion. 

Read the full article here.

For local GLBT and GLBT-friendly networking opportunities you may want to look into Denver Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and Denver Gay Professionals.

And for you job seekers, Sage Hospitality is looking for an SEO Analyst to join our Marketing Group. Check out this great opportunity here and contact me at Simon.OMahony@SageHospitality.com if interested.

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!). 

 

WERQ! Career Advice for Gay Men

PREPARE YOUR REFERENCES – THE Do’s and Don’ts of References

By Simon O'Mahony

  

You have come this far, they are checking your references. A simple telephone call could make it or break it for you. There should be no such thing as a bad reference. Here are some tips to ensure a reference call goes smoothly:

• Track down and contact your references before the job hunt begins. Never leave it until the last minute
• Choose your references carefully, choose people who know and can speak of your work ethics and your abilities
• Gather up to five references. Make sure you ask for permission and let your references know that you are listing them
• List references on a separate page and place into categories that are easy to read, (eg  employers, academic, personal)
• Make sure your references’ details are correct and up to date including full name, job title, current company, contact numbers and email address
• Prepare your references for a call. Let them know that Mr. Smith should be contacting them for a reference in the next 48 hours
• Always follow up with your references. Thank them for taking the call and let them know if you got the job
• Stay away from generic letters of recommendations with “To Whom it May Concern”
• Do not depend on family, friends, and generic letters as your references

“Make sure your references know they are your references—it doesn’t represent well when the reference contacted seems surprised you are still using them,” says Kate Laing, Human Resources Manager, of Pacrim Hospitality Services, Inc.

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

Career Goals – Benefits of an Internship and Real Life Work Experience

By Simon O'Mahony

Obtaining a college degree is one of the many important steps in pursing and reaching your career goals. However, a degree alone is not enough to be competitive. Hiring Managers want real life, on the job, experience to compliment your career. This can be done through many avenues including part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities etc, but an Internship can often offer the opportunity to develop your skills and abilities through a focused career-related program.

Typically, an internship lasts for at least a semester or a summer. Decidedly different than a part-time job, internships are designed to connect your classroom experiences to the real world through hands-on projects and mentoring relationships.

The Benefits of an Internship Program can include:

• Helps you develop a competitive edge over other candidates in the hiring process
• Increased your likelihood of receiving an employment offer upon graduation
• Tends to improve the initial salary offer
• Broadens your career knowledge and can strengthen your career decision
• Socializes you to the world of work including ethics and professionalism
• Reinforces classroom learning
• Gives you a realistic picture of what a career will actually be like

Finding an Internship:

Utilize the resources of your Career Office on campus, check out company websites, job search engines, and social media outlets. Network with alumni, family, and friends. 

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

Use a headhunter to help find that perfect job

By Simon O'Mahony

Editor's Note: Simon O'Mahoney is recovering from a delightful vacation back home in Ireland with his family so this week's column is a repost of one of his classics.
 
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.

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!

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

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!)

 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’.

Your 30 Second Elevator Speech

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.

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, the Undercover Recruiter

Using Pinterest for your Job Search. Three Simple Tips.

Social Media continues to play a crucial role when searching for a job, and now its time to use Pinterest for your job search.

Find your Target Companies

Go to your list of target companies that you would love to work for and find them on Pinterest. These pinboards will be a great resource for you and offer insights as to a company’s culture, news, hiring etc. This kind of information can help you tailor your application and will help you ace your interview by showing that you have done your homework and research.

Follow your College Career Office

Even if your school’s career office is not yet on Pinterest, follow those who are. This is an excellent resource for college students and grads on job search tips, resumes, career research, dressing for success etc.

Pin your Resume on Pinterest

To start on Pinterest all your need is an invite which you simply request on www.pinterest.com – no lengthy profile to fill out. Create a pinboard for your job search and give it a name that will make your stick out to employers in your field, e.g. “John Murphy – Rocket Scientist”, just keep it simple, short and professional, as you can share it on your resume.

Once you create your pinboard, now pin it. Along with pinning it with your resume, use additional information to create a brand for yourself. You can pin awards and recognition that you have received, press clippings, linkedin.com recommendations etc. Use your creativity to create a pinboard that reflects and represents you.

Once created your need to share your pinboard. Share the link on your facebook page, tweet it, add it to your resume, post it on linkedin.com. The more you share it the more valuable it becomes.

 Check on this great board to give your some ideas…http://pinterest.com/careerbliss/.

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.