By now, we all know how social media can help you land a job. These days, your online identity has never been more critical to your job search, but can all of this Internet exposure be hurting your chances at gaining employment?

Popular social media and networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn have helped many job seekers project a creative, web-savvy, and professional image. It’s not uncommon for potential (and current) employers to keep tabs on their employees through these sites; in fact, it’s becoming increasingly uncommon for employers not to keep tabs on their workers through social media. If you post something online, whether it’s a status update, picture, or blog entry, it becomes nearly impossible to take it back. This recent New York Times article explores the idea of ‘forgetting’ our online pasts and how it’s impacting our offline futures. Other recent events, including Google CEO Eric Schmidt’s comments that “young people” will have to change their names upon entering adulthood to escape their cyber pasts, have raised many questions about privacy. When it comes to jobseekers, here are some things to keep in mind before you request that name change:

Do not post anything negative or inflammatory about your workplace, co-workers, or management on social media sites. Regardless of your company’s size, someone will inevitably stumble upon your message or picture and you could be reprimanded and even fired, depending on your employer’s social media policies. Here are some examples of athletes who shared too much information on Twitter and the resulting consequences. 

Remember that no matter how private you think your settings are on social media sites, your online identity is not secure. If, like many users, you’re fed up with Facebook and wish to delete your account (“delete account” is the most commonly searched term in the Facebook Help Center, and a top ten auto-complete search term in Google when searching “how to.”), it’s important to note that Facebook stores your information for up to 14 days before it is permanently deleted. Deactivating your profile allows you to indefinitely suspend your account in case you wish to return to the site; and while no other users can access your profile, your information remains available to applications and advertisers. Most users don’t realize the difference between “deactivating” and “deleting” their accounts, since Facebook conveniently makes deactivation the default option for removing your presence from the site.

Even with all the privacy measures available, online histories are virtually impossible to escape. With all the social media sharing on just about every website, your Facebook and Twitter profiles leave a trail every time you ‘Like’ a site, leave a comment on a message board, or share a post onyour blog. What does this mean for job seekers? Be very careful about what you say and where you say it. If you wouldn’t say something in front of your past, present, or future boss, you shouldn’t be saying it in the digital space either; more likely than not, your comments will be uncovered and you will have to deal with the consequences. If you think this advice borders on paranoia, check out these examples of employees losing their jobs because of Facebook faux pas

I recently came across an article about the pros and cons of befriending your boss on Facebook. While I personally think it is wise to befriend your boss and coworkers on social media sites (caveat: my boss doesn’t have a Facebook account), it could very well be a recipe for disaster. There have been countless stories of employees calling in sick or requesting leave for family emergencies, only to post status updates saying that they’re playing hooky. The solution to getting caught in the crossfire of a lie and losing your job? Don’t lie! It’s that simple.

Another good idea is to run a search on yourself from time to time. Most hiring managers/HR personnel run to Google and look up applicants for any glaring red flags. Do you know what information is available about you? Run a search and see what other people can find out about just by typing your name. Checking up on your online presence will better help you remove any unwanted and unflattering information that may keep you from getting hired.

There is no doubt that social media plays a major role in our lives today, for better and for worse. If you’re looking to be successful in your professional career, keep in mind that your online presence affects your offline reputation.

  Melody Yaghoubi
  Interactive Resources

The workplace has historically been synonymous with gossip and idle talk—around the water cooler, the coffee machine, the kitchen. While at your average 9-5 job, talking about non-work related topics can make the day go by faster, strengthen workplace camaraderie, and develop friendships with coworkers. But obviously, (or if you have access to HR complaints, not so obviously), some topics are best reserved for after-work happy hours.

Religion: Unless you’re working for a religious organization or mission, specific conversations about religion should absolutely be avoided in the workplace. Aside from the obvious implications for political incorrectness, religion is a highly sensitive issue to some, and the slightest discussion of it can result in an explosive and hostile confrontation. No one wants to come to work each day and have others’ religious beliefs thrust onto him/her, so be considerate and conscientious when the subject of religion comes up, and avoid the topic altogether if possible.

Politics:  Discussing politics at work can be just as explosive as discussing religion, because similarly, it’s a sensitive and passion-fueled subject for many. What’s more dangerous about discussing politics is that even casual conversation about the day’s news events can trigger a full-blown political debate, leading your coworkers to feel alienated and oppressed. Especially during election years, charged political discussions should be avoided; a coworker’s political alignment can drastically (oftentimes negatively) affect how others perceive, and even respect, him/her. If you don’t want to labeled at work by your political beliefs/alignment, avoid discussing them!

Sex/Relationships: This is a prime example of TMI (Too Much Information), but you’d be surprised at how many people in the workplace don’t have a filter when it comes to discussing their personal lives and relationships. Personal matters are just that—personal, and meant to be kept to yourself or between you and your significant other. Publicly discussing your sex life or your relationship with your spouse has no place in the office, even if your coworker happens to be a close friend. It makes your other coworkers who are within earshot extremely uncomfortable and can even result in a sexual harassment complaint. Avoiding discussions about your personal life doesn’t make you a prude or goody-goody, it makes you a respectful coworker.

Money: This should be obvious; discussing how much money you earn/earned/wish you would earn is a ticking time bomb and an all-but-guaranteed method of getting your coworkers angry with you. You either make more or less than your coworkers—getting into specific conversations about your salary, or even your bonus (especially your bonus!), is a sure-fire way to turn a harmonious work environment into a hostile one.

Career Goals/Aspirations: Talking about your career goals in your place of work may not seem like a delicate topic, but if your aspirations are not aligned with the company’s goals, it may be best to avoid discussing them. If your goal is to leave the company as soon as something better becomes available, there’s no need to inform your fellow workers about your plans. Discussing your desire for moving up (and eventually out) will get you noticed by the higher-ups in your company, and not for good reason. If/when your boss finds out (and he/she eventually will), it might the last thing you discuss at your job before you get fired.

Health Problems/Death: When someone in your immediate or extended family is ill, you may seek comfort in commiserating with coworkers. But there’s no need to burden your fellow employees with your excessive and/or detailed tales of sorrow and pain. It’s sufficient to say that a recent illness in the family or the death of a loved one was the cause of your absence from work, but there’s no need to dwell on details. Reserve your discussions for after-work hours.

Having a comfortable working environment is essential to productivity and uplifted office morale. Keep your work place happy and comfortable for everyone by avoiding discussions that are inappropriate.

  Melody Yaghoubi
  Interactive Resources

What motivates employees most depends mostly on your age, but also where you live. In a recently published study by Kelly Services’ Global Workforce Index, it was found that 61% of Americans most desired a profit sharing/incentive based pay structure. Of working professionals between the ages of 18-29, 39% of respondents said they would be motivated to work harder if their pay was influenced by reaching performance targets, compared to 30% of workers between the ages of 48-65. The overwhelming majority of American workers (86%) said that employers should be responsible for their employees’ health and well-being, while 34% thought health insurance was the most important benefit.

Most intriguing is the divide between generational workers; here’s a rundown of key findings, sorted by age, from the study, including info-graphs. To read the study in its entirety, click here! (http://www.easyir.com/easyir/kellyservices/KGWIGlobal_Benefits_Perks.pdf)

• Aside from salary, the highest rated benefit for all generations is training, but it is much more important to Gen Y and Gen X.
• Approximately half of all generations rate employer-provided health benefits as “very important.”
• Roughly 80 percent of all generations think that employers should take some responsibility for employee health and well-being.
• Well over half of all generations believe that employers should provide an incentive or reward to employees for adopting a healthier lifestyle, changes which may include quitting smoking, losing weight or taking up exercise.
• The employer-provided health benefit that is most attractive to all generations is health insurance, while gym access or discounts are relatively popular with Gen Y.
  
  

  Melody Yaghoubi
  Interactive Resources

Be careful at your next networking event or job interview where alcohol is served. A recent study by researchers at the University of Michigan and the University of Pennsylvania found that merely holding an alcoholic beverage can be hazardous to your (perceived) intelligence. The researchers coined a term for the observed bias: “The Imbibing Idiot Bias.”

According to the study, “Job candidates who ordered an alcoholic beverage in simulated interviews were perceived as less intelligent and less hireable than those who did not, even when the boss had ordered an alcoholic beverage first.”  (Read a copy of the study here)

If you are at a networking event or dinner interview, order a non-alcoholic beverage to make the best impression. Although dinner interview etiquette commonly advises the interviewee to base his or her drink order off of what the interviewer orders, we advise job seekers to pass on the alcohol, because it will allow you to keep a clear head (and avoid the imbibing idiot bias).

  Stephanie Urban
  Interactive Resources

Regardless of the economy and your current job, a career awaits. However, there are three main things that lead to a successful search:
1.    Focus
2.    Determination
3.    A Professional Recruiter

Focus and determination are two very important ingredients for success, for without them you might not find your path.  The other very important ingredient is a recruiter – a knowledgeable recruiter is a free resource and a wealth of knowledge. Seasoned recruiters have an incredible network, they have the knowledge of their specific industry, and their guidance can help refine your search and make the most of your time.

A good recruiter will listen to your wants, understand your needs, help direct your actions, and be a springboard to help you succeed in your journey to hopefully find your career.  A recruiter who specializes in a specific industry will know the companies, the personalities of the people in those companies; they will know the cultures, both the good and the bad. 

If you truly partner with your Recruiter and listen to his/her advice and guidance, his/her expertise, and know that he/she is committed to your search, you will be that much closer in achieving your goal to find the perfect career.


Spencer Smolinsky
Director – Legal Support

From commuting and coffee runs, to long days at the office, having comfortable shoes is important. The following 5 shoes (and their brands, in general) are my top choices for working women who care about comfort and appearance. Do you really want to get caught commuting in Crocs?

To p5 Comfort Shoes for Work by BCISS featuring BCBGirls shoes

  Stephanie Urban
  Interactive Resources

It’s another rainy day here in New York City! I know you can buy a $4 umbrella from the “vendor” on the street- but if you work in a city with unpredictable summer showers, it’s probably time to invest in a NICE umbrella that won’t blow inside out during your commute! Here are a few great umbrellas for you to consider!

Recently, I was scheduled to meet a candidate with a pretty decent resume. The day of our meeting he showed up not at our scheduled time of noon, but at 9:30am.  He said he was in the neighborhood. He was in his shorts.

After our interview, he proceeded to email me for a good month, sending job postings from our company with subject lines such as:  “submit me for this job” or “submit me for that.”

This candidate’s resume could have mirrored Donald Trump’s and I still would not have worked with him. Why? Because he had no respect for my time, dressed unprofessionally when we met in person, and then acted in a manner which suggested that I owed him something. 

This is not a new concept- but it is good to keep in mind that interviews are like dating. You want to make sure your putting you’re best foot forward at all times. It’s important to think of the interview as an introduction to a company.

What if you spent as much time preparing for an interview as most people spend preparing for a first date? Be prepared to communicate clearly, share some basic background information, and highlight your best assets. Get the interviewer to fall in love with you and what you have to offer, and then walk out on a high note.

When you go on a first date it is best to be:

•    Confident, not cocky
•    Smart, but not a know it all
•    Personable, but not a chatty Kathy
•    Dressed appropriately and in a presentable manner
•    Interested and engaged in the conversation

If you follow these basic dating rules as you go into your next interview, you just might land your dream job!

Good luck!

Stacie Renna
Staffing Coordinator

In today’s job market, technology dominates the selection process from every angle.  Job seekers hit the internet for postings and apply online.  Once your resume is submitted, it often automatically enters a database with thousands of other resumes.  Even with the advanced software available today to recruiters and hiring companies, these technologies primarily rely on keyword searches to make a match between a candidate and an open position.  A well-written cover letter explaining how this is your dream job will not get you far when submitting applications to these types of databases- but keywords will.

Here are a few ways to ensure you have the keywords necessary to stand out from your competition!:

1. Having a separate Special Skills section in addition to your Employment section is also a good way to make sure nothing you have done or can do has been omitted.

2. Even if it puts your resume past that one-page limit that is often recommended, don’t leave out important bullet points about your experience. 

3. If you work with a certain computer program at work or you have worked on specific projects, make sure you detail these on your resume. 

4. Take a look at job postings in your field to determine some keywords that you should include.  If a posting lists certain skills as being required to apply, make sure you are including those on your resume. 

   Katie Niekrash
   Executive Recruiter, Healthcare

Recently, a job seeker asked us an interesting question…

Q: Which one is better? To resign or to be laid-off? I’m hearing different things from different people…

Alison, a Managing Director at our firm, suggests the following:

A: In a competitive job market like the one we are in, it is always best to raise as few red flags as possible with regard to your job history. If an employee is not happy in their current situation, I always recommend to stay at your current job, until such time as you are able to secure a better opportunity for yourself. Even given the amount of lay-offs that have occurred in the past 18 months, the employed candidates always has an easier time getting interviews, and had less to explain as to job history.

If things are so dire that you have to leave your current place, then do so professionally, without burning bridges. This would include giving an appropriate notice period and making every effort to make yourself available to train the individuals that will assuming your job responsibilities. If you take these steps and act accordingly, you should be able to obtain a written reference from your employer prior to your last day which will help you land interviews and alleviate any potential red flags.

   Alison Kupersmith, CPA
   Managing Director- Accounting/Finance