Having been laid off a few weeks ago from eBay, I am in the midst of my job search. The process has been an enriching experience so far, providing me with the opportunity to learn first hand about all the innovative companies that are flourishing and currently hiring in the Silicon Valley. I have been laid off before, and considered myself an experienced jobseeker. However, right in the beginning of my search I noticed some major changes in the hiring requirements/process. I learned that being Web savvy in 2008 no longer means you are the Google guru or that you have completed your profile on Facebook. Nowdays, most employers expect you to have a blog or two, tons of recommendations on LinkedIn, and a few associations/organizations you volunteer for on a regular basis. After my first couple of interviews where I had to shamefully admit to the hiring managers that all of my writing samples were in the forms of previously published newsletters or word attachments, I thought it wise to put an end to my embarrassment as soon as possible, and get on with the groove. Struggling for a good topic to blog about, I approached my neighbor Diana, whose fascinating Marketing Blog has captured my attention for a few months now.
Diana, what is your secret? How do you find time to blog in addition to your photography business, the CD you are recording, and all of the other projects you are involved in? Diana suggested I write about something I am an expert on, or feel passionate about so that I don’t’ have to spend much time on the research. Well what I feel most passionate about right now is the job search, and landing the perfect opportunity, in addition, I am truly enjoying learning about the various companies I am interviewing at. So I think I have found my topic, please feel free to leave your comments and criticism, and I’ll be sure to write about all of my upcoming adventures!
3 responses so far ↓
Azar Hashemi // April 27, 2008 at 1:02 am
lafillequibouge: That is a very interesting blog post. None of the companies I have applied for have ever asked me to write a blog yet, maybe this is something I can look forward in for the next round of jobs?
Diana // April 29, 2008 at 5:15 pm
The blog is coming along great. I am so happy you are starting to get a hang of it. Keep up the good work, and thanks for sharing your experiences with us
Saludos guapa!
Tara // January 19, 2009 at 7:53 pm
I think one of the points you stressed is really key: You have to put together some type of a program to recognize the super-users. Often they are willing to put in their time–but in return, they want to be made feel like they are celebrities. Microsoft does a great job of making its active members feel special.