7 Social Media Platforms for Engineering Professionals

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Who says engineers aren’t on social media? Although some engineering professionals stray away from the “kings of social media” (Twitter, Facebook, etc.), there are other popular engineering outlets that often get overlooked. We’ve compiled the top 7 social media outlets for engineers.

 

labroots engineering

LabRoots is a social network service that aims to improve the scientific collaboration of engineers, tech innovators, and scientists. It’s an engineering goldmine for virtual events, webinars, and scientific discoveries. Additional LabRoots perks include fascinating trending topics & videos and engineering breakthrough discussions.

 

element 14 engineering

Element 14 was one of the first online communities specifically for engineers. From electronic design all the way through maintenance and repair, this community is a place where engineers and electronic enthusiasts unite. Not only does this engineering platform have user-friendly resources and trending innovations, but you can also connect with other members to create and share relatable content.

 

 

cr4 engineering

Conference Room 4 (CR4) is a collaborative forum for engineers, scientists, technical researchers, and folks who just like technology. This community, which is supported by IHS Engineering 360 (an engineering search engine), is home to discussions on engineering news, and many technical Q and A’s. The layout of the forum isn’t too flashy, but it gathers some of the most talented engineers (mechanical, electrical & software to name a few) into one collaborative environment.

 

 

research gate engineering

Research Gate is a social networking site for scientists and researchers to discover and share engineering research. You can also connect and collaborate with colleagues, peers, co-authors, and specialists in related fields. “Research Gate is revolutionizing how research is conducted and disseminated in the digital age.” – Los Angeles Times

 

 

github engineering

Github is very well known among the software engineering community – the largest code host on the planet. It’s wide variety of powerful features create a highly collaborative software development for both open source and private projects. Github provides social networking-like functions such as feeds, followers, and wikis.

 

Code Plex engineering

Like Github, Microsoft’s CodePlex is geared towards software engineers. Within the platform, you can easily collaborate with others on open source projects, and download open source software. Codeplex also has discussion forums, and conveniently organizes the top followed projects.

 

 

asme engineering

The ASME Online Community is a social place to connect with others and stay up to date on the latest mechanical engineering news. This platform also allows you to join groups, and participate in various mechanical engineering discussions. ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers), is a not-for-profit membership with over 140,000 members in 151 countries.

 

 

Looking for an engineering career? Brightwing can help. For over 40 years, we’ve assisted engineers in their job search. Engineer jobs that we typically have include electrical, mechanical, design, and many more. Have a question about Brightwing jobs? Contact Us.

Grand Blanc .NET User Group Meetup – May 14

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Grand Blanc .NET User GroupThe Grand Blanc .NET Users Group is for developers working in and around the Microsoft .NET framework. If you are interested in learning more about .NET and related technologies from talented like-minded developers, this group is for you. Best of all, it’s free to join. The regular monthly meetings feature speakers from around Michigan who provide their insights on .NET and other relevant software developer topics. The meetings are typically on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 5:30 PM. The food and drinks are provided by Brightwing.

 

THE NEXT MEETUP
Thursday, May 14, 2015 5:30pm
UM Flint -William White Building – Room 3203
303 East Kearsley Street, Flint, MI
Price: FREE
Sign up online to RSVP (space is limited)

 

TOPIC: ALTERNATE LANGUAGES FOR THE CLR
This month, RIIS Software Developer, Onorio Catenacci, will discuss alternate languages for the CLR. Most developers think of C# and .Net as being synonymous but this is a bit of a misconception. There are other languages available to the .Net developer – languages that can make certain jobs much easier and less error-prone.

 

Onorio will discuss some of these alternate .Net languages and how to integrate them into a .Net project. Onorio is a software developer with 20+ years of experience. He’s especially interested in functional programming and he lead the F# special interest group in Southfield for several years. He also led the Great Lakes Functional Programming Conference in Ann Arbor in 2012.

 

Are you interested in speaking on a topic at the next Grand Blanc .NET User Group? Contact the group through their meetup page. The group also loves to give away swag at the meetings. Software licenses, geek devices, tech books, t-shirts and more are always greatly appreciated by attendees!

 

Looking for a .NET job? Check out all Brightwing’s jobs.

Project Management Event: Spring Symposium

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Looking to discover project management opportunities and insights? If so, join Brightwing and others as we sponsor the 14th Annual Spring Symposium – Retool For Success in a Changing World. This event, brought to you by PMI Great Lakes, is loaded with networking opportunities and speaker presentations. As an added bonus, attendance will earn you 8 PDUs (Professional Development Units) to adhere to continuing certification requirements.

 

Opening Keynote Speaker | Tony Zeiss – “Staying Relevant in a Changing World: Four Secrets to Success”

Dr. Zeiss has been a community college professor for thirty years, and is a recognized national leader in professional development and leadership coaching. He’s also been named the CEO of the year in Colorado & North Carolina.

 

Closing Keynote Speaker | Anthony Reed – CPA, PMP

Reed has over 30 years of IT experience, including 25 in project management and executive positions. His area of expertise has been analyzing and implementing multi-million dollar, international applications for some of DFW’s largest fortune 500 companies. He has finished over 100 marathons on all seven continents, and in all 50 states – wow.

 

Speakers List | Full Agenda | Register Now

pmi

Earn a $1,250 Referral Bonus For .NET Developers

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net developer job michigan

So here’s the deal – We’re looking for passionate .Net Developers to work on cutting edge technologies with one of our long-time clients in Michigan. The position will utilize the latest versions of Visual Studio and MVC frameworks. Our Michigan client has a fun, faced paced environment where forward thinking is accepted and preferred. If you know someone with these skills, introduce them to Brightwing and you can earn a $1,250 referral bonus and a $50 Visa gift card!

 

How does it work?

1 – Submit your .Net Developer referrals online at brightwingbdev.wpenginepowered.com/referral-program/

2 – You will automatically recieve a $50 Visa card for any .Net Candidate who interviews with us. For            successfully place candidates, you will earn 20% of the $1,250 bonus upon placement and the                remaining 80% will be paid out after the employee has worked 90 days.

3 – In addition, to thank you for your kindness, you will receive a $25 gift card for every 5 qualified                referrals you provide in a 12 month period.

 

What makes a referral qualified?

A qualified referral will contain one or more of the following criteria:

–   Someone you’ve worked with in the past

–   Someone that has been personally referred to you

–   Someone you met while networking

 

* Please note, all Brightwing employees will earn additional points under the Partner Points Program      for the initial referral as well as the candidate placement.

Software Developer Opportunities in Metro Detroit

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There is no better time than now to jump-start your career as an IT professional in the Metro-Detroit area. According to the Detroit Free Press, user-interface software developers and systems engineers are 2 of the hottest jobs in Michigan this year!

It’s no easy task to start or change career paths. Luckily for Detroiters, there are resources out there that allow you to develop IT and software development skills in a matter of months.

 

software developer

Take Grand Circus Detroit for instance – A proud Downtown Detroit company dedicated to producing fresh, local high-quality tech talent. They’re known for their intensive 8-week bootcamps that give students everything they need to know to start a tech career. One woman, Chandra Floyd, quit her job of 11 years to chase her dreams with Grand Circus Detroit.

Girl Develop IT is another organization that shows individuals how to master the ropes of coding and software development. They are a nonprofit organization that exists to provide affordable and accessible programs to women who want to learn web and software development through hands-on instruction. Girl Develop IT’s Michigan chapters include Detroit and Ann Arbor.

 

There are more tech opportunities than ever in the Metro-Detroit area. Whether you have a desire to become a software or web development professional – or just want to enhance your knowledge, look no further than your local tech development organizations.

If you are ready to discover a new job opportunity now, you may be in luck! Inquire about Brightwing’s information technology jobs for current openings.

Monthly Developers Meetup – DevLunch

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Looking for an opportunity to meet up with other Techies and Developers in the Metro Detroit area? If so, Brightwing is proudly sponsoring Great Lakes Area .Net Users Group (GANG) as they host DevLunch on January 28th. On the 4th Wednesday of every month, local developers meet to talk tech, socialize and network over lunch.

As a volunteer-driven, developer-focused organization, GANG is dedicated to .NET development and other related subjects. If you don’t know a lot about the industry, it’s a great opportunity to learn from some of the pros over a casual lunch. Attendance at these events is absolutely free!

 

Location

Granite City Food and Brewery.Net Developers

699 West Big Beaver Road Troy, MI 48084

Next Lunch

Wednesday, January 28

5:00pm – 6:30pm

 

Looking for career opportunities as .Net Developer? Check out Brightwing’s IT jobs and inquire openings on our website! You can also set up job alerts to make sure you never miss out on a job opportunity.

An Effective Elevator Speech Opens the Doors to New Career Opportunities

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When you are looking for a new job, networking is a critical step to help you connect with other people in the industry. You’ve probably heard the saying that you only get a single opportunity to make a good first impression, and networking with an effective elevator speech can make-or-break your job hunting efforts.

What is an Elevator Speech?

This speech is a quick summary of who you are and the skills that you can offer to the company. The process received the nickname “elevator speech” because of the idea that you should be able to convey your message in the time that it takes to ride an elevator. Most potential contacts don’t have the desire to listen to a long, drawn out explanation, which is why you need to capture their attention within the first few moments of the conversation.

It is important to have your elevator speech prepared in advance, because you never know when you are going to meet someone who could be a potential connection for the next step in your career. If you find yourself in a conversation where the other person is asking about you, then you need to clearly convey your message without stumbling over your words and feeling uncomfortable because you don’t know what to say.

Elements of an Effective Elevator Speech

There are several important elements that should be included in your elevator speech:

  • Start with a “hook” or a question.
    You need to make sure to fully engage the other person in the conversation from the moment you begin, because you only have a few moments to make your speech. Begin by asking them a question about a common problem, or have a catchy hook that makes them curious about your skill set.
  • Show how your skill set solves a problem.
    Instead of boring the other person with a lengthy history about your education and experience, a better option is to continue the conversation by explaining how you solve a specific problem that many businesses face. Tell the person a boiled down version of your skill set, focusing on the benefits that you can offer a company.
  • End with a call to action.
    Wrap it up nicely with a call to action that encourages them to engage with you further. For example, you might clearly state that you are looking for a new job, and explain the reason why it is time for you to take the next step in your career.

It is important that you limit your elevator speech to 30 seconds or less, because you will quickly lose the person’s attention if you ramble on for too long. Also, make sure that you are talking with a normal, conversational tone. It is easy to slip into a robotic way of speaking, or to make it sound unnatural when you are repeating the same information over and over again. Practice various ways to explain your skill set, so that you can make it a natural part of any conversation.

 

IT Networking Event – Connections Happy Hour

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Calling all tech enthusiasts! Join Brightwing as we sponsor Connections Happy Hour on Thursday, January 8th. We look forward to teaming up with Metroplex Technology Business Council (MTBC) in this beneficial networking event.

Connections gives you the opportunity to meet other tech playmakers in the Dallas area, reconnect with past partners, and discover the latest happenings in the Dallas-Fort Worth tech scene. If you are looking for a job opportunity, this may be a great place to kick-start your search.

As the largest technology trade association in Texas, MTBC’s Connections Happy Hour is an event you won’t want to miss!

Networking Event

 

Location

 

The Social House in Addison
5100 Belt Line Rd., #410
Addison, TX 75254

 

Date/Time

 

Thursday, January 8th
5:30 pm start time

 

Looking for a job right now? Get a head start by checking out our IT jobs and inquire openings on our website! You can also set up job alerts to make sure you never miss out on a job opportunity.

 

3 Non-Traditional Networking Tips

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In today’s world, professional networking is a necessity. Whether you network to get a new job, advance your career, obtain referrals, or just to meet new people, the need to interact and connect with others is important.

Many of us like the idea of networking more than networking itself. In other words, it’s common nature to feel awkward around new people, especially when you’re attending an event that urges you to professionally connect with others.

So are there other creative ways to network at ease?

Of course! Here are three non-traditional networking tips:

Networking Tactics

Volunteer

Contributing to a cause has some obvious benefits. For one, it’s a great feeling to give back to a community or organization you care about.

There are also networking benefits that can result from volunteering. Usually, there will be like-minded people that participate at these volunteering events. It is a way to show that you are considerate of others and want to make a difference. Even if you don’t professionally network at the event or cause, you can better market yourself by adding your charitable work to your resume or portfolio.

Create an Event

Instead of waiting for others to create an event that incorporates your favorite topic of interest or hobby, why not create your own? Websites such as Eventbrite and Meetup allow you to easily create events or groups with people that are just like you! They are both free to use, and you can even charge your attendees if you want to get some cash out of the deal! Whether you choose to use social media or an event-creation website, there are many different ways to find others that are similar to you and want to connect. Friendships are often created at these events, and people enjoy doing business with friends!

Mobile Networking Applications

Most networking professionals use their phones regularly to check emails, interact with social media, and make phone calls. Of course there are common social media platforms that allow you to network (such as LinkedIn), but there are other unique applications you can use as well.

There is nothing worse than walking into a room of networkers that only talk to the handful of people they already know. Bizzabo is an application that resolves that problem. Using social media, this app allows you to interact with others before an event or conference starts. Basically, Bizzabo acts as a convenient ice-breaker that gets the conversation going.

Another useful application is called Bizz Card. This app allows you to virtually share your business card with just a swipe across the screen. An email address is all that is needed to send your contact information to other professionals and stay connected.

Let’s Make Connections

Now that you know some non-traditional networking tips, check out the Brightwing Talent Community! If you’re looking for a place to discover opportunities, look no further than Brightwing, a team of inspired professionals dedicated to rising above conventional models to find the best employment opportunities for you. Start Here!

2014 Detroit Veteran Expo — Nov. 7-8

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Detroit Veteran ExpoVeteran Expo – November 7, 11 am – 8 pm
Expo and Job Fair – November 8, 9 am – 3 pm
COBO Center
1 Washington Blvd. Detroit, MI 48226
Admission is FREE

The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency is bringing together community partners, college reps, employers, benefits counselors and others for a “one-stop” Veteran Expo in Detroit, MI. The Detroit Veteran Expo is one of 3 expos being hosted throughout the state of Michigan.

Hiring our Heroes will bring employers from throughout the region and state to the Veteran Expo for a Saturday only job fair. Employment specialists will be available both days to help veterans polish their resume and interviewing skills to ensure they are making the most of their military skills in the job market.

If a return to the classroom is in a veterans future, they can also talk with representatives from Michigan colleges and universities about opportunities to get college credit for their service, on-campus veterans’ programs, funding opportunities and other questions they have about returning to school.

The expos will offer ample opportunities for veterans to learn more about available services and resources in areas like housing, recreational opportunities, family support and more, and will serve as an opportunity for community organizations to reach out and honor veterans.  The VA will offer on-site health screenings, and benefits counselors will be available to help veterans learn more about and apply for the benefits they have earned through their service.

Each Expo will bring together the best of what’s available to help veterans succeed in whatever stage of life they are in. If you are a veteran, or know someone who is, register online today! Interested employers can also sign up to attend.

For more information, contact the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency at 1-800-MICH-VET.

IT Career Event: Interviewing and Job Search Skills for IT Professionals

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Michigan it jobs search Brightwing and New Horizons are teaming up to help you market your IT skills. Join us for a day of FREE workshops that are sure to make you stand out from the crowd!

Are you looking for a job in IT? Have you taken courses to further your experience? Brightwing and New Horizons are working together to make sure you are not only prepared for your tech job search, but that you are confident in yourself as well as your resume.

In addition to our breakout sessions, New Horizons will be raffling off an iPad Mini, and Brightwing will be raffling off a $300 gift card to Micro Center!

The event will be held on May 21, 2014 at the New Horizon’s Livonia Campus 14115 Farmington Rd, Livonia, MI, 48154. Event starts at 8:30 and goes until 12:30.

look for an IT job in michigan

 

9am – Sign-in & Networking

  • Coffee and light snacks will be served
  • Meet with Brightwing recruiters and representatives from New Horizons

 

9:30 am – 10:15 am – Personal Branding Workshop

  • What to wear to an interview – Get all your questions answered
  • How to effectively use social media to enhance your personal brand and tricks to help you get found. We will cover LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Google+

 

10:30 am – 11:15 am – Get the Most out of your Recruiter Relationship

  • How to identify a good recruiter
  • Tips to help you steer clear of bad recruiters
  • Propel your career forward by creating a life-long relationship with your recruiter

 

11:30-12:15 – Resume Writing/Interviewing Skills

  • Resume Writing: Beyond the Basics
  • Real world tips for preparing for today’s toughest interviews
  • After the interview: What to say and do to ensure you make it to step 2 and beyond

 

Looking for a job right now? Get a head start by checking out our IT jobs and applying on our website! You can also set up job alerts to make sure you never miss out on a job opportunity.

 

How to Use Networking to Find a Job

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Use networking to find a job
Using networking to find a job is so easy, that even a  seven year old could do it. When I was seven, I moved from Tucson, Arizona to Columbus, Ohio. I had no family or friends anywhere near the Midwest, and to be very honest, the thought of starting school with strangers in the winter seemed like one of the most terrifying things I would ever have to do. I was a little awkward, and a little goofy.

What’s funny about entering a room full of strangers is that the feeling of being an awkward outsider doesn’t necessarily go away with age, especially when unemployed or looking for a new job. Going to a networking event is a lot like starting at a new school especially when you are unemployed, but you don’t have to look like you aren’t sure of yourself.  Here are 5 tips on how to use networking to find a job, and look good doing it:

1. Do your research: Forget practice makes perfect. Try research makes perfect. If you know more about an event, the host group and likely attendees, you will be able to more effectively use networking to find a job or at least make great connections. Before I go to an event I look at the organization’s website and on LinkedIn profiles (a little online stalking never hurts), to make sure I am as prepared as possible. Also, because conversations go two ways, make sure you are well versed in your resume.

2. Be the first to attack!: This can seem terrifying, but because most people at networking events can be sheepish you will help someone else feel relieved. Take a deep breath, walk up to a group and introduce yourself. Not only will the confidence be attractive to potential employers, but you will be surprised how people just start asking you questions and talking to you.

3. Ask Questions If the group you approach is a bit awkward (we’ve all been there), start asking other people questions about what they do, where they work etc. Warming a group up can do wonders for a conversation. Learn more about ice breakers, questions to ask and elevator pitches in our past blog “Getting past hello.”

4. Make connections between people Now this may throw some people off, but instead of asking for a job, why not help your new networking buddies meet someone they might be able to work with? Connect them with your personal and professional contacts. Build relationships, and eventually when the stars align they will be able to help you find a job as well. If you still want to ask for a job, do it tactfully. Ask “Are there any companies that you could refer me to.”

5. Follow up  Make sure to keep in touch with the people you have met. Set up a time for coffee and connect them with who you said you would. If you do what you promised, you will likely have a great connection to start talking to at the next event at the very least. Follow through can also land you a meeting or interview with someone who is hiring.

In the end, remember that everyone is human, and most people are nervous to speak to strangers. If you are friendly, professional and helpful you may be surprised at how easy it is to use networking to find a job.

Author: Elyse Lopez

Listening: the Foundation of All Communication

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“Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice.”    William Shakespeare

There is no communication skill that is more important to your business and relationship success than listening.  If you really want to improve your communication skills and thus your success, read carefully. We’ll start with the answer and then proceed to the questions.  Here’s the answer: LISTENING.

Now, here are the questions. What is the foundation of all communication?  What communication skill were you using long before you were reading, writing or speaking?  Out of the four basic communication skills which one do you use the most? How did you do?  That wasn’t too hard was it?  That was the easiest quiz you ever scored a perfect 100.  We should be off to a great start together.

Now here are a couple of questions that may require you to think.  How much time did you spend learning to read, write and speak clearly during your years of formal education?  How much time did you invest on listening skills?  Your first answer was probably similar to mine…lots.  But what about the second question?

From first grade through high school and into college we are constantly learning and reviewing the skills of reading, writing and speaking.  But how much were you taught about listening?  Your second answer was also probably like mine.  I never had a specific course nor any detailed instruction in listening skills during all of my formal education.  Does that mean listening isn’t important? Does it prove that we don’t need to be taught how to listen?  The answers are obvious.  NO!

Top 10 reasons it's important to listen

How many can you add to this list?   There are easily 20 or more additional reasons that you could add.  Are you starting to see why listening is vital to your personal and professional life?

Research has shown we spend 70-85% of our business day communicating in one form or another.  Out of that time we usually spend 45% listening; 30% speaking; 16% reading and 9% writing.  Almost everyone believes they are good listeners. Unfortunately most of us listen at only 25% of our potential.  Can this be improved?  You bet it can!

 

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One of the biggest challenges with listening is the illusion that it is being accomplished.

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The Challenges with Listening

Have you ever had someone act as if they are listening to you?  They may even say they are listening, but you’re never quite sure until they show by their response that they understood what you said.

Here are just a few of the challenges we face in the listening process:

 

  1. Feeling time pressures
  2. Dealing with outside distractions
  3. Having a tendency to daydream
  4. Controlling emotional hot buttons
  5. Mental or physical fatigue
  6. Listening to a boring, monotone speaker
  7. Having problems with the speaker’s language or speech habits.  And the list goes on.

Here are two more specific to telephone communications: A) Not being able to see the speaker; B) Having a poor connection over the phone.  These and other hurdles can cause us to miss the message in the communication process and therefore lead to misunderstandings.  That’s what we want to avoid.

Are there solutions to these challenges?  Absolutely!  You’re in the right place to learn as you earn and listening can bolster your value in a multitude of ways.

 You can look forward to building your understanding and appreciation of this invaluable skill by watching for a continuation on this topic in future weeks.  Remember, listening is the foundation of all communication.

“Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you’d have preferred to talk.”  Doug Larson

Author: George Hendley
Instructor, Brightwing

George is a speaker, trainer and coach. Learn more about the instructor-led courses Brightwing offers. For a complete list of courses and detailed course outlines call 888-521-2478, ext. 317 or email Jenny.

How Does Military Experience Translate to Civilian Work?

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Russ is Famous!

Russ, at the right, with Scarlett Johanssen

Memorial Day is the holiday where we as a nation, remember those that have given their lives in the service of our Nation. While we are all enjoying our first long weekend of the summer, remember to take a few moments to think about all those who have given what Abraham Lincoln called the “last full measure of devotion.”

And there isn’t any reason why we should wait until Veterans Day to spend some time thinking about the men and women who have spent time in the service of our Nation.  According to the Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for post 9/11 Veterans sits at 10.9% compared to a 7.9% for non-Veterans.

What are some of the challenges that a Veteran faces when he or she transitions from Military life to civilian life? According to Michael Major, SPHR, the biggest challenges for Veterans transitioning from Military life to Civilian are:

*Getting people to understand how their military experience translates to civilian work
*Knowing where to begin, including how to write a resume and where to look for a job

In many cases the job a Veteran performed while in the military has a direct translation into a civilian field.  The military has Active Duty aircraft mechanics, electronic technicians, cooks, medics, administrative professionals, and construction workers.  In other cases the positions in the military do not translate to a civilian job easily.  Many hiring managers would not know the skill set that a Platoon Sergeant has, is the same as a Personnel Manager who is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the lives of 30+ Soldiers or Marines.  Nor would they understand that a Fire Control Technician is really just an Electronic Technician that specializes on a particular type of equipment. In a lot of cases a simple re-write of a resume by someone that is familiar with Military job titles or, who takes time to learn about them will yield immediate positive results

Having spent the last 18 years hiring people for a living I can attest to the fact that at least half of what we call “employability” rests in soft skills. Finding an employee that is punctual, a team player, motivated, and who can follow direction AND lead is one of the biggest challenges that we as employers face. Having spent almost 20 years in the military, I can also attest that men and women who have spent time in the Military have most definitely developed those skills.

The next time you see a resume of a veteran float across your desk, take the time to reach out and talk to him or her. Delve a little under the surface and learn what the true nature of their job is and help them translate the experience into something that’s easier for a non-veteran hiring manager to understand.

Author: Russ Dotson, Brightwing Senior Recruiter

Pink Slip Party: Networking Event for Metro Detroit IT Industry Professionals & Job Seekers

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Wednesday, March 13th
5:00 p.m.
St Andrews Hall
431 E Congress St
Detroit MI 48226
Google Map

Brightwing is co-sponsoring a networking event for Metro Detroit IT professionals. The party is being hosted by Detroitnet.org, a non-profit group that provides an online and offline venue for professionals in and around the Information Technology industry to network with other IT folks in the most simplest of forums. The event is free and open to the public. You can pre-register for the event by sending an email to [email protected] with your resume as an attachment.

 

How to Network

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Business networking tips- Getting past hello

Have you ever found yourself standing in the corner of a crowded room, surrounded by strangers, with your palms sweating more and more with every passing moment? Did this nerve-wracking moment of your life happen to be at a networking event or career fair? Never fear! You are not alone, and this does not have to destroy your chances of success. You showed up, you know who you are and what you have done, so being prepared to talk about yourself is the next step. So how do you get past hello? Having a prepared ice breaker and well thought out elevator pitch is a sure way to get past any awkwardness and on to an actual conversation.

Fat Penguin

Think about how you are going to break the ice with a stranger friend you don’t know yet. It doesn’t have to be complicated or entertaining. Simply walk up to someone, introduce yourself instead of waiting to be approached, and start with any of the following:

  • Have you been to one of these events before?
  • Are you a member of the group/ organization/ an alumnus?
  • What brings you here today?
  • This is my first event with this group, what about you?

The list could go on and I am sure you get the idea, but ice breakers are helpful to think about before you go in case of crowd shock.  You’ll look like a pro!

Fake it ‘til you make it

This doesn’t mean faking your experience. It just means faking your confidence by crafting a mini commercial about yourself that is memorable. Having your 15 seconds written and practiced beforehand will save you panic and mumbling when you are asked about yourself.  So what do you say when someone asks, “What do you do?”  You need to state

  • Who you are: “I am an experienced and enthusiastic marketing professional.”
  • Skills that you have: “and use social media”
  • Something that you have achieved or worked on: “to drive my company’s candidate-facing marketing.”

This will help the person you are talking to have a base from which to ask additional questions. Since you are up to date on your skills, it will be easy to elaborate on your experience

Make a connection

Now that you both know a little about each other’s experience, see if you can help them with anything. Since I work at Brightwing I may say,

  • “Do you know anyone who is not happy with their current job, or anyone who is looking for a job? We would love to speak to them about their experience.”

or if they are unemployed or are looking for something new,

  • “Would you like to give me your card? My co-workers would love to connect with you and see if we can help you find something.”

If I were unemployed and looking to make a transition, I could also ask for help,

  • “Do you know of anyone needing my skill set?”

Even if the outcome isn’t a connection between you and this immediate person, they may refer you to someone or vice-versa.

 

How do you get past hello? If you have any other tips or smooth operator tricks, we would love to hear them!

 

Author: Elyse Lopez

4 Ways to Engage with Millennials

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They’re here. The Net Geners, today’s youngest and fastest growing employee group, make up 25% of the U.S. Workforce.(1) Also known as Generation Y or Millennials, the Net Generation was born between 1978 and 1994.(2) Having been raised with laptops, smart phones, social media, and instant messaging, they love technology and are fiercely independent. They want instant access to everything and a fluid balance of life and work. An nGenera Insight survey found that half of Net Geners consider flexible work hours to be a critical factor to accepting a job offer. They strongly believe in continuous training, and they don’t respond well to cookie-cutter management approaches.

Sound intimidating? If so, you’re not alone. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) found that 61% of chief executives report having trouble recruiting and integrating younger employees. As Baby Boomers retire, finding ways to  engage this generation will only become more critical.

Here’s what you must do:
1. Develop a recruitment and employee engagement process specifically geared toward a multigenerational workforce.
2. Leverage technology to give employees 24-hour access to company information. Gartner Research forecasts that by 2014, social networking will replace email as the primary communications hub for 20% of business workers.
3. Improve the technical skills of your existing workforce. This is also an opportunity to engage your Net Geners, as they are probably most qualified to teach tools like social media to older workers.
4. Design a blended training approach for your employees, employing tools like web-based learning, mobile apps, gaming, as well as traditional classroom training. According to PwC, 35% of Net Geners consider excellent training programs to be the top benefit they want from their employers.
Be proactive about transferring institutional knowledge to your Millennial employees. After all, they are the future of your company.

Notes:

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics
2. Some demographic studies those born as late as 2000.

 

3 Tips for Success at Career Fairs

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We have all been there; standing in line in a room full of strangers, attempting to catch the eye of that special someone while rapid firing facts about ourselves. No, I am not talking about speed dating; I am talking about career fairs. While nerve-racking, they can be a great way to get out and meet representatives of companies that interest you. Here are a few tips to maneuver the crowds like a networking Jedi:

Freshen Up

This goes without saying, but I still need to say it. At career fairs, representatives will be meeting you for 5 minutes at the most, so you need to make a great first impression. If you look your best, interviewers and representatives can focus on what you are saying and not the stain on the front of your shirt. Iron your outfit, brush your hair and pack a few breath mints, your interviewers will be happy to have met with you!

Find Blueprints

  • Before you go you will need to know who you are going to see at the career fair. Read over all of the companies from the event site and create a list of the top ten companies you would like to visit, the first five being companies that you would love to meet, the last 5 being ones that you would like to see.
  • After you have your rough plan of attack do some research on LinkedIn, Facebook , and the company website. Ask yourself these questions: How did the company get to be great? Why am I interested in the company? Why do I think I would be an incredible fit for the company?
  • Last but not least, check out the company’s job boards, this way you will be able to point out that you see they have a need for XYZ and you can fill this need with your superior professional skills.

Have the Right Tools

  • Similar to networking events and client meetings, you need to have your information together. Double check your resume by making sure it is cleaned up and neutral to appeal to several industries (Unless it’s an industry specific career fair. In that case showcase your skills for that industry). Make enough copies so that you don’t run out on nice resume paper.
  • Practice your elevator speech beforehand so if you get nervous you’ll have something planned (don’t make it sound robotic, but if you have your basic speech down, you will l be able to work it into a normal conversation. Remember it is not only what you say but how you say it):
    • “Hello my name is Elyse Lopez, I have been interested in your company for some time and I noticed that you had an opening in the sales department. I think you will find that my resume reflects a skill set that would very well suit the position, as I have extensive experience in corporate sales. I would be very interested in setting up a more formal interview.”

Be sure to arrive to the career fair early so that you are able to see at least your top three, and if you’re lucky, all of them. We wish you good luck on your search, and remember if you need a friend in the process, Brightwing would be more than happy to help you out!

 

Author: Elyse Lopez

Image from: www.newschools.org

How to Make a Positive First Impression

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First Impressions

My dad once asked me a question before my first day at a new school, in a new state, “How many chances do you have to make a first impression?”  The answer of course is once. Like it or not, first impressions matter in all situations both personal and professional, and  they happen in seconds no matter if you are introduced via email or in person.  Nowhere is it more important to make a first impression then when you’re looking for a new job. So here are a few tips to help you make a great first impression:

When inquiring about information via email…Check your spelling

Before you interview anywhere, there is a great chance that you will be communicating via email with your contact. As this may be happening before phone calls, or in person meetings, it is very important to explain yourself well, be respectful, and double check for typing mistakes. If you have a typo, incorrect punctuation or spelling in any initial emails, you may be dead where you sit. When I was in between jobs last year, I wrote an email to a marketing company. I misspelled a word in the subject heading.. What happened you ask? Absolutely nothing.

Look clean, and freshly pressed

I am all for people expressing themselves through their clothing, but when going to an interview, or a meet and greet with potential contacts or employers, you need dress in a way that matches your intention. If you are shooting for a job with a more conservative, corporate company, you will need to wear a suit and laundered shirt. Are you a marketing professional? Look clean and pressed, but be your creative self. Are you looking to meet up with a professional networking group after work? Business casual may be the way you want to go. Know your audience, and act accordingly. For a visual reference click here.

Look people in the eye and sit up straight

This tip is from my mother. She despised when friends of myself or my brother (granted the kids were in middle school) would not look her in the eye, slouch around, drag their feet, and mumble. She trained my brother and I to never (almost never) do these things when we were young. While I can get comfortable in my surroundings now, I still believe that when meeting other professionals for the first time it’s important to show them that you are happy to meet them, that you are listening and that you have yourself together.

Relax a little

Finally, after my etiquette tutorial, remember to have fun with it. You are going out there to meet new people. As long as you carry yourself confidently, listen and provide value to a conversation there is no telling where your first impression can lead you.

Dress the Part: Wear-to-Work Styles

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Fashion in the workplace
Post recession, a good amount of people in our country are looking to find a new job, a job, a  better job, a promotion or expand our networks to make sure we are connected with our industries, and as shallow as it sounds, we need to look good. I have had friends ask about what to wear to networking events, what to wear to work or what does business casual mean? How casual is too casual? I asked a few of our best dressed male and female Brightwingers what workplace fashion looks like to them:

 

What to wear to work Aaron Chernow, CEO of Brightwing
“For new clients always a suit and tie. Definitely dress more formal. I like solid orange ties with grey suits and my dad feels the same way. I love when someone shows their individuality in a pocket square or in a shirt tie combo. If it were a networking event, it would really depend on the mood of the audience. Where is it? Is it formal? Unless I have to wear a tie for a conservative or formal event, I don’t wear a tie because that’s my style. In everyday business casual you should wear whatever makes you feel good about yourself. If you want to be formal I love it, casual I love it.”

 

 

 

David Chernow, CMO of Brightwing
“What I would do is research the culture of the events/ interview/ company that I would be meeting with. Is it a company that wears jeans every day? Am I going to an event with Fortune 500 CEOs? It really depends and you need to know your audience. What if the company I meet with wears jeans? I may not wear a suit; I may wear slacks and a button down. If I am meeting with a conservative audience from an interview to a meeting to an event I will probably wear a suit and tie. My everyday attire for business casual is a polo or button down shirt and casual cotton pants. In the winter I like to wear a button down under a sweater.”

What to wear to work

 

 

Jeff Borra, Business Development Manager
“To a networking event I usually wear a sport coat, button down shirt and dress pants. I like to be comfortable but presentable to potential contacts, candidates and clients. Business casual is more relaxed but can be more colorful. I will usually wear a button down or a nice golf shirt with khakis or dress pants. When it comes to new client meetings, I will wear a suit and tie, usually in conservative colors, but don’t take the business formal so seriously that you wear a tuxedo. Recently I walked a candidate into an interview and he was wearing a full tux.”

 

 


What to wear to work April Jennings, Director of marketing
“Now that it’s summer time I would probably wear a dress with a blazer or cardigan and a cute belt. I am in marketing, and a lot of the creative types are trendy or expressive with their clothes and I love it. One of my favorite stores for staples is The Limited because they make it really easy to mix and match with statement pieces. I am really into the “pop” of color right now.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Katie Peterson, Programs and Partnerships Manager
“I have a young child, and with that I think about a million things that don’t have to do with what I need to wear to work every morning. To make it easier for me, I like pieces that are versatile, cardigans that I can wear with jeans and work pants, shirts that I can wear to work and on the weekends. As far as workpants go I try to find pairs like Limited or Express pants because I know I’ll buy a pair that are comfortable and that I will wear for years… really get my money’s worth. I What to wear to work try to not pick incredibly trendy pieces so they don’t go out of style but still on trend with statement pieces and accessories. I love and need the mix and match and versatility from work to life.”

 

 

 

Meghan Marotta, Recruiter
“If I were going to interview I would wear a simple pant suit with muted tones, my hair out of my face and simple jewelry. On client calls I stick to business casual, meaning pants or work dresses but probably keep things on the conservative side. I would definitely have more fun with my outfits at a networking event or everyday business casual. Jazz up the basics with accessories and statement pieces. Colors are wonderful!”

 

 

 

 

What to wear to work Elyse Lopez, Recruiting Administrator
Being a little self serving I thought I would add my two cents. I generally don’t see clients so a lot of what I wear, as Aaron said, is whatever makes me happy….and what makes me happy are dresses. Nothing frustrates me more in the morning than trying to match a shirt or sweater to a skirt or pants. If I had to sum up my business casual/formal philosophy it would be a dress (wrap, suiting or shirt), blazer or sweater and boots in the winter (cute boots), and a dress with heeled sandals or pumps in the summer.

Author: Elyse Lopez