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.

Jobs: Videographer for Lucas Entertainment

Lucas Entertainment is looking for a videographer to join their team. Lucas Entertainment, Inc, one of the largest and busiest US-based gay adult production companies, is looking for an experienced videographer to film the non-porn storyline sequences of its blockbuster plot driven movies. Candidate will not be required to film sex sequences.

Click the link for more information or to apply.

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.

Jobs: Vice President of Donor Resources for The Gill Foundation

Founded in 1994, the Gill Foundation is one of the nation’s largest funders of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equal rights work. The Gill Foundation works to create an America in which all people are treated equally and respectfully. Over the course of their history, they have invested more than $197 million, including $118 million in grants, to support programs and nonprofit organizations across America committed to their mission of equal opportunity for all Americans, regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression.

Reporting to the President and CEO and as a member of the senior management team, the Vice President of Donor Resources will shape, grow, refine, and implement a comprehensive donor development program focusing on individuals and institutions.

Click here for more details or to apply.

Colorado Anti-Violence Program looking for Development Intern

From Colorado Anti-Violence Program (CAVP): 

We are excited to announce we are hiring for a paid Development Internship.  This internship is a learning opportunity to develop more activist-fundraisers of color and transgender activist-fundraisers. In past years, CAVP has benefited from the Grassroots Institute for Fundraising Training's (GIFT) Fellowship program, which is a response to our movements' need to develop more activist-fundraisers of color. Although GIFT is not training fellows this year, CAVP wishes to continue this educational work while countering institutional and internalized racism, transphobia, and homophobia in the fundraising sector.

We will train and pay a community organizer of color or transgender community organizer to strengthen the grassroots fundraising programs of CAVP. The intern will receive extensive one-to-one training and mentorship and gain fundraising skills and deepened political analysis.

Please follow the link for information on how to apply:  

Development Internship Posting

Deadline: February 21, 2012

Ask President Obama to protect millions of LGBT Americans from workplace discrimination

President Obama has an executive order on his desk that could protect millions of LGBT Americans from discrimination in the workplace -- but only if he signs it.

The order in question would require all federal contractors to extend non-discrimination and harassment protections for their LGBT employees. The order would cover about 16 million workers who don’t currently receive any discrimination or harassment protections for sexual orientation or gender identity.

As an employment rights attorney, Tico Almeida knows all too well how badly this order is needed. So Tico started a petition on Change.org asking President Obama to sign the executive order that would extend non-discrimination protections to all LGBT employees of federal contractors. Click here to sign Tico’s petition.

Tico also knows that online petitions can make a big difference in cases like these: After a former employee of a major defense contractor, DynCorp, received a six-figure settlement for being called “f*ggot” and other slurs at work, Tico started a petition on Change.org urging DynCorp to adopt non-discrimination protections for LGBT employees. After more than 50,000 folks signed, DynCorp came through. 

The executive order on President Obama’s desk has already cleared key hurdles at the Departments of Labor and Justice. President Obama has already made great strides on issues like “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” -- now he could do so much more with just one stroke of his pen, and he needs to know how many people are counting on him.

Click here to sign Tico’s petition asking President Obama to sign the executive order that would require federal contractors to protect their LGBT employees from discrimination and harassment. 

JOBS: Vice President of Donor Resources for The Gill Foundation

Founded in 1994, the Gill Foundation is one of the nation’s largest funders of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equal rights work. The Gill Foundation works to create an America in which all people are treated equally and respectfully. Over the course of their history, they have invested more than $197 million, including $118 million in grants, to support programs and nonprofit organizations across America committed to their mission of equal opportunity for all Americans, regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression.

Reporting to the President and CEO and as a member of the senior management team, the Vice President of Donor Resources will shape, grow, refine, and implement a comprehensive donor development program focusing on individuals and institutions.

Click here for more details or to apply.

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.

The Rat Race (And How To Win It!) by Simon O'Mahony, the Undercover Recruiter

Turn your next interview into an offer! 

by Simon O'Mahony, the Undercover Recruiter

OK, so you have found that ideal job, submitted your resume, waited on pins and needles, finally got the call and now you are going for an interview. Talk about nerve-racking and exciting all at once! But this is your opportunity to shine and if you follow these simple steps, you can turn your next interview into an offer.

1. Do Your Research

If you read my previouspost you will know I suggest keeping a workbook. If you have followed this piece of advice you should be up to date on the current events of the company that you are interviewing. If not, now is the time to research the company you are interviewing with. Go above and beyond what you can find on their website. Search for current news and events. Also, take time to research the person who you will be interviewing with (check LinkedIn.com). It is always impressive when a candidate knows an interviewers' background.

2. Prepare Like a Champ

Prepare, prepare and prepare! Preparation is 90% of success in job interviews.  You are guaranteed to be asked certain questions in every interview so there is no reason not to ace these. Role-play your answers with a friend, use the mirror, and practice your answers out loud over and over again. Examples of these guaranteed questions include:

• Tell me about yourself.
• What are your strengths/areas of opportunities?
• Why do you want to work here? Why did you apply for the job?
• What is the biggest challenge for you in your current/most recent role?
• What do you want to learn from your next position?
• What questions do you have for me? (Always write these down and bring them with you. It always impresses me when I ask this question and an interviewee responds with “Yes, I prepared some questions, do you mind if I refer to them.")

3. Day of the Interview

Don’t freak out! It is normal to be nervous but always remember that the person interviewing you gets nervous too and they are really hoping that you are the one they hire. Treat it more like a conversation rather than an interview. Be friendly, people like friendly people! On the day of your interview:

• Dress for Success. This is not a time to show off your trendy new purchases. Stick with a dark suit that fits well, a simple tie and no cologne (you never know who will be allergic to your cologne). Make sure your shoes are polished and that you are groomed appropriately.
• Know where you are going. If you are unsure of the exact location, parking situation, etc., give yourself plenty of time. If you are using public transportation,  do not trust their schedule. Arriving late for an interview and blaming the bus or parking is a huge turnoff.
• What to bring. Always have a couple of copies of your resume with you along with some paper and a pen so you can take notes. Always have your prepared questions that you can refer to.
• Arrive early but not too early. Arrive 10 minutes prior to your interview time. If you are too early, go for a walk or grab a coffee. It is annoying when someone arrives 30 minutes early.
• Your interview starts as soon as you arrive. Always be polite and respectful to the receptionist and thank them when leaving. As a recruiter I always ask our receptionist how the candidate behaved when they arrived and while waiting. When the interviewer arrives, greet them by name with a firm handshake and plenty of eye contact.

4. Close and Follow-Up

As the interview comes to an end, do not be afraid to try to "close" the interviewer. A simple question such as, “Based on our conversation today do you have any concerns that would prevent me from being considered for this position?” 

This is a powerful question that will allow you to address any immediate concerns before an interviewer has time to think on it further. When it comes to follow-up, 99% of candidates will send a simple email thanking you for their time. Go above and beyond. A hand-written card thanking the interviewer(s) and reiterating your interest in the position and the company goes a long way!

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.

The Rat Race (And How To Win It!): Where Is That Perfect Job?

by Simon O'Mahony

Where is That Perfect Job?

Spending endless hours searching for that perfect job online is not only a huge waste of your time, it will also quickly drain and frustrate you. Applying for every job out there with the hopes of getting a call back is not a good thing. Be strategic in your approach. Use the web wisely. If you do this, the jobs that you want will be delivered to your inbox. Here are some tips:

The Strategic Approach to Your Job Search

Start with a workbook. You workbook will be your journal. This will keep you on track and keep you sane. You can opt to do this online, via spreadsheet, or go old school and get a binder and a notebook. In your workbook, track your target companies, jobs you have applied for, upcoming networking events, etc.

Next, list the companies that you would love to work for. Have you heard stories from friends about how they love their jobs, have a passion for a particular industry, love how a certain company is involved in a community, or do you use a companies products all the time? These are all good reasons why you might want to join an organization. 

Once you have your list, it becomes your job to know everything you can about your target companies. Follow them on LinkedIn.com and Glassdoor.com, connect with people who work there (LinkedIn.com, Plaxo.com, etc.), and follow them in the news (Google Alerts). 

This will guarantee that you will be armed and equipped with the information you need to answer the question you will be asked in every single interview … "Tell me what you know about our company." 

As a recruiter, nothing impresses me more than when someone answers that question with current, relevant information, rather than the vague,  “Well, I checked out your website and I love that you are involved in the community.”

Now that your target list is ready, go find out who is hiring and see which jobs are posted. Several ways to do this.  You can search each company's website, you can search for jobs on Monster.com, Careerbuilder.com. etc., and check the local news publications, but that’s a lot to be doing every day. 

So, my advice is to use the free tools and resources that are available. If www.Indeed.com is not your best friend, it soon will be. Here are some of the reasons why I personally like Indeed:

• Search Engine is quick and easy – you search for ‘what’ and ‘where’ e.g. “Recruiter” “Denver.”
• The Search Engine Optimization is very powerful. It searches every major website, company site, newspaper, and it pulls all jobs posted that match your criteria.
• Timely – the results are real time and will clearly show how old the job posting is.
• Records your searches and will have a daily “Recommended Jobs for You” list.

When you find a job that you are interested in and meet the qualifications for, take your time with the online application. I will be discussing this again, but it needs to be accurate and the information provided needs to 100% match your resume. Watch for typos!

Keep track of the position you applied for, the date, and your actions. That way when you get that call from ABC Company saying there are calling about your application, you will be ready to respond. 

It is a huge turn-off when I make a call, and the person responds with a “Sorry, what company are you with? What job was it?”

After you apply for the job, see who you may know at the company and network with them. There is no harm in reaching out to someone and asking if you could simply ‘tap’ into their network. Ask the question, “Do you know who the best person is to send a personal note and a copy of my resume to?” Just always make sure that, if you reach out to an individual, you do so after you have applied online. If an ad says apply online, then follow instructions and apply online. That way when you connect with someone you can say you are following up on your online application.

Finally, don’t apply for every job just for the sake of it. If you are not a Nuclear Chemist, don’t apply for that job! Not only are you wasting your time, you are wasting a Recruiter's time. And do not apply for several jobs at the same company just because you really want to work there. This just sends the message that you are not focused or passionate about what you want.

TIP FOR THE HOLIDAYS:                                                                        

While out shopping, pick up some generic holidays cards. It's a great way to stay connected with people that you are networking with, or interviewing with. A traditional holiday card goes a long way over a simple email. Just remember to keep the cards very generic as you never know the sensitivity of your audience.

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.

The Rat Race (And How to Win It!)

by Simon O'Mahony

GET LinkedIN ... Whether you are happily employed or actively looking for a new position you should be using the extremely powerful and FREE tool that is LinkedIn.com. LinkedIn is your online professional face. You can consider your LinkedIn profile your online resume.

Your Profile:

As with your resume, your LinkedIn profile should be clear, concise and consistent. It should be free of any grammatical and spelling errors and should 100% match your experience and education as listed on your resume. When you look at your LinkedIn profile do you see someone who is credible? You only get 10 seconds to impress the person who reads it. Include all your resume keywords and skills in your profile. Using keywords will ensure that when a job is posted, your profile will show as a match and a recruiter should contact you. Copy the link to your profile to your resume. This way recruiters can easily view your profile without having to search for you. Consider your photo – choose a professional shot that reflects and represents you well. Don't forget to make your profile public - that's how the world can find it. Also, customizing your URL will give you a link that's easy to share - mine is http://www.linkedin.com/in/simonomahony

Build your Network:

Connect with other members and build your network. Look at the companies that are on your target list, companies that you would like to work for and companies that you have interviewed with, and connect with people from those companies. No need to go crazy and connect with everyone for the sake of it. As you continue to grow professionally and network with people, your LinkedIn profile and connections will grow also.

Ask for Recommendation:

Recommendations from people that you have worked for carry a lot of weight and are very powerful. You have the ability to view and approve a recommendation before it is posted to your profile.

Join Groups:

There are literally hundreds of groups on LinkedIn. Search groups that fit with your background and career goals. These groups not only allow you to network with peers and possible employers, but a lot of companies will also post open jobs to these groups.

http://learn.linkedin.com/groups/

Follow Companies:

Great way to keep yourself educated on news, jobs, new hires etc within your target companies. http://learn.linkedin.com/company-pages/

Additional Resources

Job Seekers

http://learn.linkedin.com/job-seekers/

The first impression is often the most important.

http://learn.linkedin.com/profiles/

How to Build a Professional Student LinkedIn Profile

http://careerservices.linkedin.com/Build-A-Professional-Profile.pdf

LinkedIn Bootcamp

http://www.businessinsider.com/linkedin-boot-camp-basic-training-for-the-personal-marketer-2011-11

Stay Connected

  Use LinkedIn Mobile (m.linkedin.com)

LinkedIn Facts:

As of November 3, 2011, LinkedIn operates the world’s largest professional network on the Internet with more than 135 million members in over 200 countries and territories.

There were nearly two billion people searches on LinkedIn in 2010. Based on third quarter 2011 metrics, LinkedIn members are on pace to do more than four billion searches on the LinkedIn platform in 2011.

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.

Jobs: Videographer for Michael Lucas Entertainment

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Job: Grant Writer for The GLBT Community Center of Colorado

Hey, jobseekers! The Center has a job opening available for a Grant Writer and you should totally apply.

The Grant Writer assists the Director of Development and Communications in meeting annual fundraising and communications goals and will:

· Research foundation and government funding prospects.

· Coordinate the writing and compilation of grant proposals.

· Coordinate, write, edit other Center publications including quarterly print newsletters, annual reports, and other publications as determined.

To apply, submit a cover letter and resume via email to Craig Overholser at coverholser@glbtcolorado.org by May 9, 2011.

Jobs: Out Front Colorado Managing Editor

'Out Front Colorado' - the Rocky Mountain region's oldest, largest, and most widely read LGBT publication - is seeking a dynamic, energetic, and creative Managing Editor to oversee all aspect of print publication.

A full job description and application instructions are available at www.outfrontcolorado.com.

Jobs: Social Media Intern for Denver Element

The Denver ELEMENT is looking to fill an interview position to assist the group with their ever-growing social media needs.They're looking for a minimum three-month commitment and you can send your resume and cover letter to sean@thedenverelement.com to be considered for the position.

Jobs: Program Officer at The Gill Foundation

Hey job hunters, the Gill Foundation is looking for a Program Officer. 

 

This position reports to the Director, Policy Advocacy Programs and serves as one of the program officers for a strategic grant portfolio of approximately $1 million to $3 million. The portfolio is focused on state-based policy work on LGBT issues, and includes collaborative grant making programs with other institutional funders. This position will also serve as one of the program officers for either (1) strategic initiatives working with African American communities or (2) allied organizations and institutions such as schools.
 

The application deadline is January 7, 2011 and the full job description can be seen here.

Jobs: Public Policy Director American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado

The American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado is seeking to fill the position of Public Policy Director with an experienced legislative and policy advocate. The Public Policy Director is a member of the ACLU of Colorado’s senior leadership team and is responsible for advancing the civil liberties agenda of the ACLU before the Colorado legislature, executive branch, as well as city, county, or state governmental bodies.

Find out more about the position by clicking here.

The ACLU of Colorado recently added C. Ray Drew as Executive Director and I had the pleasure of meeting him at The Center's recent grand opening. 

According to his bio, "Ray Drew took the helm at the ACLU of Colorado in March 2010. His long history effective leadership uniquely positions him to continue the organization’s 58-year history of defending and expanding civil liberties and civil rights for all Coloradans. Over the past decade he served as the executive director of two organizations devoted to the advancement of LGBT rights: the Family Equality Council, a nationwide advocacy organization for LGBT parents, and most recently, South Carolina Equality."

Jobs: Director of Advocacy for CAVP

The Colorado Anti-Violence Program (CAVP) is looking for a collectively-minded, intelligent, personable, and highly-motivated person to serve as the Director of Advocacy, one member of a three person co-leadership team that replaces the traditional Executive Director role.

Because the duties to be assigned are so varied, this position requires a Co-Director with an unusually diverse set of skills and attributes, with particular emphasis on strong quantitative, analytical, strategic competence, and inclination.

Other desirable qualities include intellectual curiosity and agility, the ability to hold and synthesize multiple perspectives, cross-sectoral and cross-cultural competencies, strong written and verbal communications skills, ability to maintain survivor confidentiality, basic computer savvy, the ability to work alone and in partnership, adaptability, high energy, warmth, humor and a commitment to service.

Applicants should have several years of professional experience, have a minimum of one year of previous experience in (paid or volunteer) survivor advocacy work, be adept at organizing their work and the work of an organization, have practical experience in making things happen, and have the ability to work evenings or weekends with occasional travel. Preferred qualifications include being bicultural/bilingual in Spanish, familiarity with Colorado community resources and organizations, and experience with community outreach and organizing.

To apply, please answer the following questions in no more than three pages. Your answers should accompany a resume, and will function in lieu of a cover letter:

How does your background and identity contribute to your understanding of oppression and privilege?

Given CAVP's leadership structure, why is sharing leadership and power attractive to you based on your work style, experiences and values?

Tell us about a moment in your life OR an event in history when a group of people or a community came together to respond to an act of violence or abuse. Why does this event or moment inspire you and how does this influence your vision for social justice?

Send your complete application to cavpsearch@gmail.com by August 11, 2010 Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Jobs: HIV Prevention Outreach and Program Coordinator for ELEMENT

HIV Prevention Outreach and Program Coordinator for ELEMENT: Under the direct supervision of the Program Director or designate, HIV Prevention Out Reach & Program Coordinator develops and implements HIV prevention, health promotion and community development initiatives for gay, bisexual and trans-men consistent with the program's stated goals and objectives. The HIV Prevention Out Reach & Program Coordinator works collaboratively with program staff, community volunteers, Community Advisory Board members and partner agencies as a means of discharging the duties described herein. Please visit our web site for more information.

ELEMENT, Denver's Gay Men's Wellness Initiative, is a socially activist program for gay, bisexual and transmen in the Denver metro area. They are a cross-cultural, multi-generational group of men who are creating a gay men's community that is more compassionate, cohesive, educated and connected. ELEMENT is out to promote an altruistic community of men who are committed to making a difference — in our own lives, in the lives of our friends, and in the gay men's community as a whole. ELEMENT fosters opportunities for communication, meaningful engagement and personal leadership. ELEMENT envisions a stronger and more vibrant community of gay and bisexual and transmen. This is accomplished through their HIV Prevention and Education programs and treatment program; The Mile High Meth Project. ELEMENT is supported by The Mile High Council, a 501c-3.