Job Doc chat transcript
About Our Guest
Pattie Hunt Sinacole is Principal of First Beacon Group LLC, a human resources consulting firm. Pattie works with clients across many industries including technology, biotech and medical devices, financial services, and healthcare, and has over 20 years of human resources experience. Pattie has a BA from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and an MBA from Babson College.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Welcome to our November 24th chat! I see we have a few questions waiting. Let's get right to them. Thanks to www.boston.com for allowing us to chat today.
pat__Guest_: My husband was just laid off on Friday, I left my job in April. Neither of us has ever been unemployed before. How do we go about finding a job? Everything I have read said that big internet job sites only produce about 2-3% employment. Where should we start?
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Great question Pat. Thanks for asking. I think this a timely question.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: First, remind your husband to file for unemployment benefits.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Second, develop a crisp and well written resume. Have 2-3 sets of eyes review it before you send it to any employers.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Job boards are a decent source of available opportunities and shouldn't be ignored. Monster/Boston Works and Craig's List are what most of my client use.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: However, your own personal and professional network is by far the best source.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Think about co-workers, neighbors, former colleagues, etc. Re-connect with those folks... over coffee or lunch.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Also if you were ever a member of a professional association or an alumni association, those also are good sources of job leads.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: So while I agree with you that the job boards are not the best source, I also wouldn't ignore them either.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Lastly, regarding your own personal network, set a goal of reconnecting with folks -- 3, 4 or 5 per week. Whatever it is. Hold yourself accountable. And good luck.
george__Guest_: what are the best jobs to get with an associate degree. i am grad this spring with an associate degree? what direction should i go in. I am a bussiness admin major..
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Hi George
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Congratulations on your soon to be degree!
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: This economy is a strange one for sure so your question is a good one.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Financial services has certainly changed in Boston. Many of the banks have moved out of New England. That would be one industry that I would probably avoid.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: However, on a positive note -- health care and some areas within biotech are still going strong. We are an aging society. We are living longer but many of us are battling chronic health care challenges.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: When there is a challenge for a population, there is an opportunity. Many of the hospitals are hiring. And there are definitely segments in biotech and medical devices that are holding there own.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Good luck. And even though you didn't ask me... I would like you to continue your education and complete a bachelor's degree. When you are interviewing with area companies, ask about tuition reimbursement. Thanks for your question.
Ann__Guest_: Hi Pattie, Do you think the job market is bad against all disciplines, or more specifically in finance? I currently work in finance but am considering switching to education administration. Of course I would never leave until I have something new in place, but I'm wondering if it's even worth considering at this point.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Hi Ann -- welcome to the Job Doc chat!
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Finance in traditional financial services is struggling now however you make a very valid point.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Finance often lives in other industries as a support function. Healthcare, biotech, technology all have professionals as part of their finance team.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Education is holding steady in Boston right now although alot of colleges are facing challenges of their own with shrinking endowments and the uncertainty in the student loan world.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: It is absolutely worth exploring especially if education is an area that interests you. Thanks for your question Ann.
dblonde__Guest_: what do you do when all of your co workers are on facebook talking about things. sometimes co workers and all they do is laugh and type to each other all day. I mean constantly snickering or laughing. Management knows but they really didn't do anything about it but send out an email asking everyone to keep the noise level down. What about get to work and generate revenue.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Wow... this is annoying situation.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: To me, it certainly seems like an issue that needs to be confronted and dealt with. I am sure it impacts overall productivity and performance. I am surprised management doesn't take a stronger stance.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Especially in these economic times, I am surprised that this behavior is allowed to continue. Do you feel comfortable asking your supervisor about it? Or HR?
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Based on the information you have presented, I would be annoyed too!
pat__Guest_: What is your view on hooking up with several recruiters?
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Hi Pat
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Recruiters can also be a good source of job leads but I would deal with them honestly and professionally. I wouldn't use more than 2-3 recruiters at once. And I would let them know that you are talking to other recruiters as well.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Some recruitment agencies are struggling too because employers don't want to have to pay large fees for candidates right now. Lots of employers would prefer to pay their employees a referral bonus award for referring talent to the company. Good luck.
katie__Guest_: Hi Pattie. I am also thinking about changing careers. I currently work for a non-profit agency that recieves funding from the state. Witht he recent budget cuts and the grim outlook for next fiscal year and i worried my program could close. Any advice to someone who is looking for a career change? I.E. making your resume stand out?
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Hi Katie --
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Unfortunately job cuts are a big worry in both the non profit and the for profit world. No one is insulated.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Regarding your specific question on making a resume stand out - 1. use a crisp, easy to read font 2. don't make it too crowded and cluttered 3. proofread!! and 4. look at your skills and experience... which transfer to the for profit world best? And again my advice on using your personal network for job leads would apply in your situation too. Good luck with your search.
clssrmtchr__Guest_: I'm looking to get a new job, possibly outside the classroom...I have been teaching 8th grade for 7 years now.....wherre should I be looking with my background in education?
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Hello -- welcome to the Job Doc chat!
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Teaching 8th grade for 7 years -- that deserves some type of award! I would like to know what subject(s) you are teaching.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Tutoring and private instruction has become a big business. That is one obvious path. Another option is higher ed. With so many colleges and universities in the area, there are lots of opportunities in higher ed in the Boston area.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Let me know on the subjects that you are teaching -- that may give me even more ideas for alternative career paths!
james__Guest_: Dear Patt: Several months ago, I had interview with company and afterward, I have filled out the application. On the application, there is a question about if I ever resigned/fired from a company. And I asked yes. I think by answering yes to that question, I never a call from the company. What do I do next time when being asked that question?
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Great question James!
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Many smart companies have applicants complete employment applications. First, because in the small print at the bottom of the application it says that you should be honest, truthful and not leave anything off that is job related. Second, it ask questions of a candidate that they may not be willing to answer esp during the first round of interviews.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: But getting back how you should handle it... here is what I would suggest.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Simply state -- will explain. Or leave it blank. They will probably ask you about it. And you should be prepared with a response. Give that response some thought. Try to honestly explain the circumstances.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Now most everyone has resigned from a position but being fired is definitely a yellow flag. But sometimes a termination can be explained honestly and you can still move on... Example: "I was let go from the sale rep position. What I realized was that the pressure of sales was not right for me. I thought I would enjoy it but that did not end up being the case. So that is why I am now returning to the world of customer service. I know this is an area in which I can excel."
booklady__Guest_: What's the best way to answer the question of why I am looking for a new job after 2 plus decades at one place? Can I say that financial issues are the problem? I'm not supported enough either financially or with staff, and it's affecting my life. Thanks
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Good afternoon booklady -
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Wow, 2 plus decades is a rarity these days. Good for you. When you say financial issues, I am assuming that you feel like you are not making enough money (as opposed to financial issues/problems with your employer).
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: I think you can certainly talk about your commitment, roles, experience during those 20 plus years. Employers are often NOT interested in hearing that you are considering them just for a salary increase. That may be one factor but should not be the sole factor.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Talk about what value you can bring to your next employer and then talk money after you both (you and the company) understand the contributions that you can make. Good luck!
dchs4__Guest_: Hi Pattie, I've been told by my supervisor that I should begin looking of work. I'm using this as an opportunity to possibly do something "new". I would I begin looking into a career change when I'm not sure what that career may be?
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Good afternoon
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Think about what you are passionate about. What interests you... what are you good at. Are you detail oriented? Or do you prefer the big picture? Are you a qualitative person or more of a quantitative person?
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Also ask your supervisor. They may have some thoughts about where you have "shined" and how those capabilities could translate into a new and different role. How exciting!
mel1974c__Guest_: what does a person need to do to stand out in a pile of resumes?
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Love this question Mel!
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Let me start and give you my "list" --
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: 1. relevant skills and experience -- have you done a similar role somewhere else and suceeded?
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: 2. nice presentation -- no wild fonts, no mini fonts that we can't see, crisp, well-written, no typos
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: 3. use numbers when appropriate to quantify your value -- esp in sales! Don't just say you sold payroll services in clients in New England -- instead: Sold payroll and HRIS services to more than 212 clients in New England area resulting in $2.6M in revenue in 2008
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: 4. don't jam 1001 things on there. Think about a resume like an advertisement for an automobile. The ad doesn't give you all the detail but it makes you want more.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: 5. chronological resumes are still preferred (as opposed to functional resumes)
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: 6. consider a summary at the top rather than an objective. Example: Seasoned sales representative with more than 15 years of experience driving revenue and building relationships within the orthopedics industry.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: 7. I dont care if you are married, or if you have children. Leave it out.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Hope that helps!
tf__Guest_: I am looking for a new job but would prefer not to tell my current employer, in case I don't get the job (or decided not to take it). How do I explain that my references do not include my current supervisor?
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Hi TF -- this is a common job hunting challenge.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: You should NOT tell your current employer.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: But you can include former supervisors or peers/colleagues that can speak to your capabilities, job responsibilities, etc.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Most employers understand you don't want to compromise your current situation.
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: But they may ask to speak to a former supervisor or a colleague with whom you worked closely. Great question!
james__Guest_: patti: the other question is when being asked about the references, company preferred co-workers and supervisors. my situation is that when being asked about the supervisors, either they are no longer live here or I had bad relationship with then supervisors. Will it be better off with another co-worker reference and how would I explain I can 't come up with previous supervisor's references?
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Hi James -- Yes, employers do prefer former supervisors. But people do move on and then it is hard to track them down. You raise a good point though and one that I should have brought up earlier when chatting about references. You should type up a beautiful, crisp list of references. It should list each person's name and contact info (email, tele number, cell number etc.) and it should also include the relationship. Example:
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: At the top:
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Professional References for James Smith
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Then about 3-6 names listed like this:
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: John Johnson
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Vice President, Finance
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: TRG Electronics
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: 617-555-5555 (office)
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: 617-666-6666 (cell)
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: jjohnston@trgelectronics.com
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: (former manager at ABC Electronics, Inc.)
Pattie_Hunt_Sinacole: Thanks chatters for all of your questions. I had alot of fun (as I always do). Chat with you all soon. Thanks to boston.com for allowing us to chat again!
