Personal Branding Interview Robin Wauters - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Personal Branding Interview Robin Wauters - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Today, I spoke to Robin Wauters, who is best known as a TechCrunch writer based in Europe.   In this interview, Robin talks to us about his annual social media conference, other projects that hes working on, how social media is different in various countries, and his thought on personal branding. You organize an annual conference called Plugg, which beings social media innovators from all over Europe together. What kinds of things have you learned from past conferences? This is the second year Ive organized Plugg, which I started sort of on a whim after I noticed European web conference organizers tend to invite a lot of U.S.-based entrepreneurs and pundits which is fine, of course, but it speaks volumes about our tendency to play down our own achievements and role models. I wanted to show Europeans that this continent effectively has a number of advantages over regions like Silicon Valley, India and China (the traditional hotbeds for technology upstarts) and that we can build great companies here too, although we face a number of challenges that need to be discussed thoroughly so we can all learn from it. On a related note, Ive been amazed by the quality of startups who submit their profile for a chance to compete in our pitching competition. When you scratch the surface, theres a lot of innovation happening in Europe that most observers arent even aware of. Im hoping Plugg changes that, even if in just a small way. Can you tell us about some of the other projects you work on, like Oxynade and Talking Heads? Oxynade is an international, venture capital backed startup based in Ghent that interested me from the very first moment I caught wind of it (it was co-founded by an ex-colleague of mine). I kinda got involved in the starting phase and became a small shareholder while at the same time helping the company get off the ground in terms of marketing, PR and general strategy. The company basically makes it possible to aggregate hyper-local event information from across Europe and matches this with a robust online ticketing solution, which makes the startup both a content player (selling calendar event information to media groups) and a technology / service provider (making it possible for event organizers to spread the word about their events and sell more tickets via the web). As for Talking Heads, theres not a lot to say about the company yet. Its a conversational marketing agency based in and focused on Belgium. Were the first company of our kind here in Belgium, and even though weve only started a couple of months ago, we see a tremendous amount of interest in social media from companies, government, non-profit organizations and individuals alike. Talking Heads basically helps them get started and guides them along the way to a more conversational marketing approach made possible by new technologies and social networking services. As editor at TechCrunch, you probably have access to and review all kinds of social networking sites. Which ones do you think are the best or most important? Are there any that we should know about? The ones you hear most about today are the ones that matter. Its that simple. I dont think there are going to be any newcomers who are going to become a threat to Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn in their respective fields any time soon. Of course, I do remember what happened to Friendster and Im always curious about new social networks, particularly when they target niches. I think theres still a lot more ground that can be covered in the field of lifestreaming, although again I think the dominant social networks will figure out a way to best cater for those looking for that type of service, leaving little breathing room for upcoming community sites. How is social media used differently in Europe than in the US? Quite frankly, I dont think theres that much difference. That said, I think its wrong to look at Europe as a whole when it comes to the way we use social media. For example, if youd compare the way Scandinavians both commercial entities and persons deal with social media compared to people from Spain, Italy or Greece, youll notice differences based on their respective cultures. That said, in general people just tend to do the same thing online anywhere in the world: share thoughts, photos, videos and news, and plan offline social activities with friends and family. With the growth of web 2.0, do you see a growth in importance of using personal branding to stand out from the crowd? Whats Web 2.0? Perhaps surprisingly, I was never a big believer in personal branding until I witnessed first-hand what doors can open when you manage to market yourself effectively on the web. I started blogging because I saw a friend land a great job because of his blog, actually, and that kind of opened my eyes at the time. That said, as with everything, if you want to stand out from the crowd you have to have an ability that makes you stand out from the crowd. No amount of personal branding will make you more interesting if youre not an interesting person, and people are not stupid. Let your actions, the services you launch, the products you create, etc. speak for themselves and look at personal branding as an extra (unless of course thats the centerpiece of your business). - Robin Wauters is an entrepreneur, blogger, conference organizer, social media consultant, startup advisor and allround web addict, based in Belgium, Europe.   He is a writer at TechCrunch and managing editor of Virtualization.com. He was one of the first writers to join blognation, an ambitious effort to centralize reports about Web 2.0 startups from around the world into one blog platform. He is mostly known for setting up Plugg, a one-day conference in Brussels aimed to raise awareness for European entrepreneurship as well as the continents most promising Web / Mobile 2.0 startups. Hes also the organizer of the monthly OpenCoffee Club Brussels meetups.   Wauters combines these efforts with startup life, as a Partner in Oxynade and social media agency Talking Heads.

How to Write a Resume From a Hostess Job Description

How to Write a Resume From a Hostess Job DescriptionHow can you write a resume for a Hostess job description? The answer is simple. You can start by writing down what kind of work you do, and how long you have been working for that company.Think about the Hostess job description as a job description. A job description consists of the requirements needed to fill the position in order to be hired for the job. For example, if the Hostess job description says you need to be able to handle 20 pounds of butter, you might list this on your resume. Once you know the job specification, you will need to determine if it is within your abilities.Many people who work in Hostess produce hundreds of resumes per year so the job description is designed to help them. Each year, new positions become available and those positions might require slightly different skills than other positions at the same company. In order to qualify for one of those openings, you will need to write a resume that lists exac tly what you have done for the company over the years.What makes the Hostess job description even more valuable is that it includes information on previous jobs that you have held. You should also list any training or education you have received that will qualify you for the job.Hostess also requires the employees to show their employers that they can do the job that is being advertised in order to qualify for the job. This is why it is important to list your experience with the company when creating your resume.Since you are listing the qualifications in order to qualify for the job, make sure that the job description is specific enough for the employer to see what they need in order to hire you. If you don't list the specific requirements, you could be disqualified from the job.One other thing that you will want to consider when creating your resume from the Hostess job description is where you are currently working. Do you still have access to a computer that has Internet access? You should list your address and contact information when you are doing this.Having a Hostess job description can help you complete all of the tasks on your resume in order to successfully get hired for the position. It is also important to show the employer that you are dedicated to helping the company with whatever tasks you are assigned.

Your Genius is Always Transferable

Your Genius is Always Transferable Jobs, industries, companies, economies are subject to change but theres one thing that doesnt change and its the fact that you are a genius.   Yes a genius and youve been using that genius your whole life. In fact, its what people consistently come to you for even if youve never advertised.   Its what people thank you for providing even though you were just being yourself.   It may not be what youve been paid to do (yet) but its valuable and of service to others.You might be wondering why Im talking about about genius when Job Action Day this year is about transferable skills.   Well, in my 16 years of experience as a career coach, nothing is more consistently valuable through up and down economies than a person putting their genius to use in service to others.Each of us possesses a unique core genius.   Its the package of skills, experiences, talents, ideas, attitudes and preferences that no one else can replicate in exactly the same way because no one else has lived our life or bee n through what each of us has been through.If youve been looking to give your career new life, you need look no further than the genius thats been uniquely yours.   Look to the ways youve easily been of service to others throughout your life and you will see a pattern of genius shining through.   For example, Ive been asking people about their careers since I was six.   I wanted to know what they did for a job and what they liked and didnt like about it.   And if they didnt like it, what would need to change for them to be happier.   Also at six, my mother went to medical school and I had a wonderful life experience that taught me that its never too late to change careers to do what you love.   (My Mom dreamed of being a doctor since she was six.)But to make your genius transferable, youve got to package it so that others can pay you for it.   Before I packaged my genius into the job of career coach, I was giving away unsolicited career advice (and it wasnt always appreciated).   H owever, it was appreciated at work when we had to set goals and do our own self-assessments as part of the annual performance evaluation process.   Everyone dreaded that annual process but not me.   I loved it and had fun talking colleagues through their goals and helping them capture the highlights of their performance over the past year.   It wasnt may job but I did it naturally and successfully (without any prior training) and it was fun!   And your genius is fun (and easy) for you to use too.   You just have to research and test out ways to be of service using it (in ways you can make a living.)For example, I have a client whos a genius at making things fun whether its coming up with a game to play while waiting in line or its making a joke at a tense moment in a meeting to lighten to mood.   Hes also empathetic and can see when someone needs encouragement or a boost.   Hes also a great critic he can improve any process or procedure to make it more effective.   How is all this a genius?   Well hes been a successful management consultant focused on improving systems and processes.   In this case, his empathy for client situations and ability to make things fun has enabled him to bring together teams through difficult improvement-focused projects.   Hes currently looking at teaching as a career as well since he knows kids learn better when things are more fun, his empathy will help him relate to students who are struggling and his push to improve will support them in becoming their best.   Two very different careers but all stemming from the same genius.In your case, the same is true.   Your genius can be of service in a myriad of ways.   If your current company is downsizing or your industry is shrinking, dont wait for the layoffs, start looking now at ways your genius can be of service in new situations.Here are three questions to ask yourself to get started:What would I do if I knew I couldnt fail?Whos job would I love to have?What do people thank me for ?These types of Soul Search questions are crucial to determining your unique core genius.   Once youve got that, the next step is to Research careers and jobs where your genius is a key required skill.   Case in point, Ive always been a great note taker and a great typist.   I can capture information quickly and accurately.   As a career coach, these talents play very well because Im able to capture my clients career insights quickly and accurately.   They love that Im able to keep such great track of our conversations so they can leverage the insights we uncover to make smart career decisions.   I dont have to work at taking copious notes, in fact, I find it a fun challenge to get everything just as it was said.   Your genius is designed to make you great at the job(s) youre here to do too.The last step to transferring your genius to a new career is to Job Search.   But by this I dont mean filling out a bunch of job applications.   Rather its about going after the career possibilit ies you identified that fit who you are and what youre here to do.   Its about networking with people in the jobs and fields youd love to be in (even if youve never done that work before).   You see, your natural genius will shine through and though you may have things to learn you wont be starting over at the bottom.   Youll be able to make lateral moves into new areas and move up the ladder more quickly and easily than when in jobs that didnt match your genius.   Its truly that simple.So get started now.   Identify and package your genius through Soul Search, Research and Job Search. The world needs you to put it to good use in service to problems that only your genius is here to solve.   Take action and remember your genius is always transferable!Im writing this post in support of LiveCareers Job Action Day. Created in 2008, Job Action Day connects workers and jobseekers with unique job-search and career advice from leading experts and bloggers in the career field. This year, we celebrate experienced professionals with the theme: Survive and Thrive: Using Transferable Skills to Give Your Career New Life.

10 Ways to Use Facebook To Get a Job

10 Ways to Use Facebook To Get a Job 86 Flares 86 Flares The average person spends somewhere around 15 hours per month on Facebook.  But admit it, you know your monthly usage of the book is for much longer than that stat announces.  So, while there, you might as well spend some of that time job searching Here are 15 ways to use Facebook to get a job: 1.  Like Your Dream Companies Your favorite companies are on Facebook and you probably already like them.  Become part of the community and engage.  Respond to comments and questions and try to get in their head.  When a position is open at the company that you want to apply to, write a wall comment on their page and ask who you should email if you have a question.  Once you have the email, tell the person that youre interested in the position, and whats the best way to apply.  That person will want you to get the job, it helps prove social media success as a talent source. 2. Connect With Recruiters Recruiters are using Facebook just as much, if not more than you are.  They are constantly looking for a way to use Facebook as a talent source.  Find recruiters that live in your area and add them as friends.  Add a personalized message with your request to explain why youre adding them.  Youll be surprised how many will accept your request.   3. Create a Business Page For Your Search The cool thing about FB business pages is that they are searchable on Google.  You can create a hire me campaign through a business page.  If you do it right, it will help you gain targeted exposure to your dream/target companies.  I had wrote a blog post about a Philadelphia area man who wanted to work for Krispy Kreme so bad, that he utilized Facebook for part of his campaign. 4. Post Strategic Job Search Status Updates Be careful not to spam your audience, but feel free to toss in 2 or 3 job search related status updates per week.  Updates can be direct links to your online resume or Linkedin, or even just a simple Im looking for a job update.  If you already have a job, I suggest avoiding this method. 5. Use Facebook Job Search Apps More and more apps are being developed for networking and the job search.  Three big apps are BeKnown, BranchOut, and InCircle.  I found this blog post from Balanced Workplace that explains how these apps work. 6. Research Where Your Friends Work Remember, Facebook is a social networking tool.  Use it to keep up with friends that you havent seen in years.  Keep a record of contacts who have build up a solid career and professional network.  Keep up with them and ask if their company is hiring.  Theyll appreciate the referral bonus if you get hired at their company. 7.  Use A Targeted Ad My friend Marian is a level 1 Bad Ass.  I mean, if there were levels of Bad Ass, shed be Level 1.  Anyway, she had created an ad on Facebook to bring notice to herself and her job search.  She targeted a number of companies, and received emails back from all of them stating they liked her idea or they wanted to send her resume on to HR.  Here is more info about Marians campaign. 8. Use the New Facebook Cover Photo Facebook is currently delaying their new Timeline, which will also feature a Cover Photo that stretches across the top of our profile page.  The Cover Photo presents an interesting opportunity to job seekers.  I wrote about this in more detail here, but you can also check out some cool examples of Cover Photos here. 9. Use Privacy Settings Facebook can kill you just as much as save you.  Make sure that if youre going to be tossing loads of profanity, questionable pictures, or anything else that you wouldnt want an employer to see, that you set those privacy settings to strict.  If you have wild friends, you might want to deactivate your wall until you land that new job.  Set the privacy settings to friends of friends or to just friends. 10. All Of The Above Use as many of the above items as possible.  If its available to you, then why not?  Besides, whats a few more hours per month on Facebook? What are some other Facebook Job Search Techniques?

What To Wear To A Job Interview

What To Wear To A Job Interview If you have been successful enough to be invited to a job interview, then well done you! The hard part is over with you have already showcased your skills, told a company about your experiences and they have decided that they would like to at least give you a chance at working for them. Many people get worked out and nervous about a job interview, however, it is simply a matter of further showcasing your talents and abilities. They already know how good you are on paper, so you just need to back this up in real life. A big part of this is creating the right impression and a lot of this is to do with how you present yourself and the clothes that you wear. Whatever the job is that you are applying for you need to give a professional approach and show this in your interview. This means that even if it is only a casual job or one that doesn’t require you to dress up you need to dress smart for your interview. It is a good idea if you have a set of clothes that you keep aside just for interviews, that way you know that they are always going to look their best. Trouser suits, skirts, shirts and smart shoes are all ideal clothes for a job interview, no matter what that job interview is. What you also need to make sure of is that the clothes you wear are in good condition and look the part. Making sure the clothes you wear are pressed and look smart is essential. Making a little bit of effort goes a long way making sure that your shoes are shined, your hair is tidy and that your clothes match are all small ways you can make sure that you look as good as possible. That way you know that you have done everything you can to ensure job interview success.

Formatting a Customer Service Executive Summary Resume

Formatting a Customer Service Executive Summary ResumeYou know all the tips to write a well-written customer service executive summary resume. You have your mind made up, you have just typed a couple of resumes and now you need to know how to format them to make them look good. Formatting a resume is one of the most important decisions that you will make in your life, and it is equally important to take the correct formatting option when you are putting together your executive summary resume. After all, people will have to read your resume, and if it is written in a sloppy manner, it will not be easy for them to read your resume and you won't get an employer's attention.Now, you need to decide whether you want to use Word or PDF format, because these are the two most common formats used by recruiters. If you are unsure about formatting your resume, you can ask your recruiter about it. In most cases, they will tell you to format your resume in Word format. That is because Word format is the format used by recruiters and many hiring managers. Word format is more popular than PDF format because it is easier to read and is also more legible.Now, you can format your resume in Word format. All you have to do is replace the spaces between paragraphs with tabs. To format your resume as well as your contact information, you should include the information you have written on your résumé. Simply list your most recent and current job titles along with the number of years you worked there, along with the title of your last position. You should also list the title of your supervisor, your department, the name of your organization, your affiliation and other relevant information.If you are formatting your resume in PDF format, simply list your job titles and years of experience in an alphabetical order. Do not include the title of your last position. In this case, you should list the following: first name, last name, title, or other relevant information. Keep the fonts as s mall as possible so that people can easily read your resume. Just be sure to make the content eye-catching.Just remember that formatting your resume can make a difference in getting hired. A person who is making a mistake in formatting his or her resume can definitely create a lot of problems for them. This is why recruiters and hiring managers are always careful to have the right formatting style for their resume. If you are doing it yourself, you will definitely want to use the best possible format to look best. But if you do it by the book, you will create a job search nightmare for yourself. In fact, this is one of the main reasons why you will have a hard time getting hired.On top of the resume, you must also think about how well it will fit in with your resume, because some recruiters will only accept a resume that is very well formatted. When you are formatting your resume, you must make sure that the font is in full-size, and this will create a more legible and understandabl e resume. Don't even let the font is too small. This is because the recruiter might miss the page entirely if they are not able to read what you wrote.Finally, you have to write your resume in a way that makes it readable. The resume is one of the first things that the hiring manager will see. So if you are using formatting techniques that are not easy to read, then this can throw them off and might even result in them not reading your resume. You must try to avoid all these problems by formatting your resume correctly.

Resume Writing Images Reviews & Tips

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