Job Hunting in the 21st Century - The New Reality: This week - " Brick & Mortar vs Cyberspace"

One of the problems I face as a career coach at First Impressions is dealing with older people (40+) who do not have the proper academic credentials for the job they seek. Most of these folks began working when a college degree or graduate degree was not required, just preferred for their job. Today this same job requires a minimum of a 4-year degree, and a post-graduate degree is mandatory in many cases, or at the very least it is highly preferred.

Thankfully these clients were able to climb the corporate ladder in their company based on a combination of loyalty and industry expertise. However, today that is no longer the case, and they don’t know what to do. The obvious answer is to go back to college and complete or even start as a freshman and earn a 4-year, Masters or MBA degree.

To expedite matters, one of the best options for these men and women is to get a degree online. However many of them, and unfortunately some old fashioned or uneducated HR types feel this is a waste of time and money and the degree is useless.

So last week I posed the following question on Executive Suite another Linked-In group that I am a part of, and I would like to share some of the responses with you as part of my Job Hunting in the 21st Century – The New Reality series.

QUESTION: Online undergraduate and post graduate degrees, how do you view them?

“Personally I find that a lot of recruiters view "online" degrees with some skepticism, however what a lot of people do not realize is that these degrees often take a much higher level of studying and effort to pass than a traditional class setting. (One does not have a lecturer to go to each day, one rather has to physically find time and sit down and really work at achieving a great result.)… The downside is that there is often no one to turn to, no one to study with and often families do not understand that studying online is a gains to a real degree.” Astra Bester, CIPP & CIPP/C Regulatory Compliance Specialist

“I decided to "repair" a mistake and return to school to finish my degree. I chose The University of Phoenix and I must admit that this was the only decision I could make to complete my degree. Work life balance and traveling for business made a bricks and motor school out of the question. My first impression was that my degree will be "devalued" because it was EARNED online. However; my degree is something I am very proud of… My work ethic and dedication to complete the degree is the passion and dedication a company can expect me to give them once they realize the degree is a statement of not only my abilities but also my character and commitment to the company." Robert Smith, Sales Professional

"I completed my MBA online within the last month. Prior to starting this program I preferred a traditional classroom environment because of the interaction that takes place there. Though, I pursued online education because a heavy work and travel schedule made classroom attendance impossible. Now that I've completed the program, I do not think it was a mistake to use the online format. Like any program, you get out of it what you put into it. Anyone can learn just as much from an online program as they can from a classroom if they're interested in learning and disciplined. I think some employers are reluctant to fully recognize online programs because of the many "degree mills" out there. When discussing your online program with an employer, it's important to highlight the school and its credentials. Reputable online programs are regionally accredited just like traditional programs, and their degrees are recognized equally. My experience with online education is manifested in the fact that I'm planning my next pursuit in education (DBA), and I'm only looking at online programs." Steve Bailey, Global Supplier Manager

"I am a product of the traditional brick and mortar educational route, but I'd like to share some thoughts. As someone who has filled positions, I am no more likely to hire a traditional candidate to an online candidate. One purpose of the curriculum is to teach one how to think, but it should not be taken for granted that possessing a degree does indeed demonstrate one can think. The analogy I have used with my direct reports is the assembly line worker in corporate America - one who knows how to replicate but may not understand the underlying essence. At the margin, one who has some seasoning followed by an online degree is more likely to possess the deeper understanding.

In general, a degree is important but the kind of degree is not dispositive. It is one of a number of attributes that reveal the caliber of the individual." Andrew Paluszek, Director - Planning & Analysis at a Major Bank.

If you have a strong opinion, pro or con on this subject let me know; if you’re thinking of going back to school and torn between a brick & mortar classroom or learning in cyberspace, I hope this will help you decide.

Author:

Perry Newman, CPC, is President/CEO of First Impressions Resumes and can be reached for a no cost consultation at 646-894-4101.

WHAT'S HOT & WHAT'S NOT

The next Jobs Report is due this Friday, and the unemployment rate is expected to soar even higher. In anticipation of more bad news, Bill Shrink www.billshrink.com passed along the following details on what industries are in fact GROWING to help brighten your day in hopes that it may offer some hope for those looking for jobs or fearing their jobs may be in jeopardy.

Retail
Failing: Traditional Retail (500,000 jobs cut in 2008, and 100,000 more in 2009)
Thriving: Discount Retail (33,000 new hires between Sept. 2007-Sept. 2008)

Building and Infrastructure
Failing: Construction (111,000 jobs cut in January 2009 alone)
Thriving: Public works ($27.5 billion for transportation from the stimulus bill)

Production
Failing: Manufacturing (1.2 million jobs cut in the last year)
Thriving: Clean Energy ($47 billion for renewable energy from stimulus bill)

Personal Care
Failing: Hospitality and Leisure (210,000 layoffs since Q3 2008)
Thriving: Health Care (30,000 new jobs were added in Feb. 2009 alone)

Finance
Failing: Banking and Investment (130,000 jobs cut since Q3 2008)
Thriving: Debt Management (Americans owe $968 billion in credit card debt)

Thank you Bill

Aceing Your Job Interview: Part One - Research

Before you begin preparing for an interview; a word of caution. If you went through this process easily in the past, don’t expect a repeat performance. Moreover if you’re still following the advice of classic coaching gurus like John Crystal and Jeff Allen; don’t. Their advice is now obsolete. In 2009 there's 'A New Reality.' And unless you are mentally and emotionally prepared for it, you are in for a rude awakening.

Whether you acknowledge it or not, your interview begins way before you enter the reception area. From the moment it is arranged you must start researching the company, honing your image, and preparing and rehearsing responses that present your value to the company and relevant accomplishments and short vignettes you can use to highlight and relate them to the job you’re interviewing for.

Telephone Pre-Screening calls are common today and always catch you off guard.
Rule #1: If you are not in a position to speak freely, don’t talk - request a callback number.
Rule #2: When responding, get to the point and be as brief as possible. Don’t oversell yourself.

Rule #3: If asked ”Do you have questions,” say “I do, however I am sure you are busy and we can go over them when we meet.”
Rule # 4: End the call by saying, “I know you are looking for value in this hire, and that is what I have to offer. If it fits your schedule can we continue this conversation in your office tomorrow; I know it will be a mutually beneficial meeting. If that’s not a good time is there a more convenient day and time for you.” Their response will tell you how much of an impression you made.

Research: Once the interview is arranged, immediately begin your due diligence. This increases your chance of a 2nd interview or job offer. You need to accumulate as much knowledge about the company, their culture, the job you are applying for, their competitors, and the industry in general, and the people you will be meeting. This intimate knowledge is critical if you want to impress decision makers. It also helps you build confidence you are the best person for this job.

Step 1: Start by reviewing the job description in the classified ad or job posting you responded to. Then cross reference this with what other companies require in a similar position. Print out copies for use in anticipating interview questions and preparing responses. You should then list all core requirements for the position and note your achievements and qualifications for each, as well as stories that highlight them. Then evaluate the required experience and skills you may lack and describe how you intend to overcome them and list related qualities you have that are relevant alternatives.

Step 2: Visit the company website where, among other things, you should find valuable information about products or services, recent changes, competitors, management profiles and clients. Visit the ‘News & Press Releases’ WebPages. Information contained here will be useful to engage and impress interviewers. Take copious notes that will be used in forming responses.

Step 3: Do a general and News Google search of the company; and for public companies research their online stock ticker. Some of you may want to review their annual report, 10K and 10Q filings. Next do a general and News search of the company’s major competitors and the industry. Remember ‘Information is King,’ and all this effort will differentiate you from your competition. Some of you may want to pay to do a Hoovers, OneSource or LexisNexis search of the company or have someone you know who subscribes to these service do it for you. Think of this investment as doing a CarFax search before buying a used car.

Step 4: Use Linked-In, Faceboook and other networking sites to search for people you will be interviewing with. If they are listed it will give you invaluable insight into who they are, how they define themselves, and it may even provide a photo so you know what they look like before the meeting. Next contact people who worked at this company before and send out Linked-In requests for additional information on the company, and the job,

On an interview, just like in school, the more homework and study you do the greater the results will be.

Perry Newman, CPC is President/CEO of Fist Impressions Resumes in Brooklyn, and has over 30 years experience as a resume writer, career coach and executive recruiter.

If you want professional assitance preparing your resume, have specific questions, or would like to receive a FREE copy ‘Job Hunting in the 21st Century – The New Reality call 646-894-4101