October 2009 Archives

I often talk about the fundamental lack of good job search training at the college level.  Let's face it, every college should require a 3-credit course teaching students about the job marketplace, developing a value proposition, creating a job search strategy and learning various job search tactics (organizing a job search "territory," proactive networking, interview prep and so on).

Let's face it, if you don't learn these skills in college, you'll probably never go out of your way to learn them later in life.  We're all too busy playing golf and shopping to learn a skill you actually need.

I am bummed that this will never happen.  It's just too big of a cruise ship to turn around.  It's like asking IBM to change from Big Blue to Big Red. 

So we're stuck with the current system.  The antiquated system of applying via online postings and half-hearted networking ("Uncle Joe, can you please send my resume to your neighbor's HR Department?").

But I have an idea, inspired by Seth Godin.  Job seekers should have to pay to apply to all online postings (big job boards like Monster, in-house corporate job boards, Craigslist, ALL OF THEM).  $1, $5, $10... I don't know.  The higher the stakes, the higher the cost, I guess.

I know what you're saying.  "Brian is a recruiter, he just wants to make his life easier" or "There is 10% unemployment right now, is he crazy?"

Trust me.  If job seekers had to pay to apply to job postings, it would really shift the job market.  You're not going to spend money, even a dollar, on a job that isn't a good fit for you. 

One PR firm recently got 370 resumes for one junior position.  This is a problem.  The company knows they're not likely to find the perfect candidate in this pile of nearly 400 resumes.  There are a dozen candidates who might not have "round peg, round hole" experience, but surely hustle and have great transferable skills they could adapt for the role... but alas, they'll get lost in the shuffle.  And for the truly five or six great candidates with spot-on experience, this reality means it may takes days or weeks for the HR team to contact them, resulting in missed opportunities, timing issues with other offers, etc.

Essentially, EVERYONE LOSES. WOMP WOMP.

However, if everyone had to pay to apply to job postings, here is what would likely happen:

You would really decrease the amount of resumes a company receives, resulting in quality.  From say, 370 to 50 for that one junior posting.  That would allow companies to give proper time to all 50 resumes and perhaps call some of the transferable skills folks that might get left out.  The spot-on candidates would get called in a day or two.  And the folks who applied to 20 jobs and never heard back from anyone, would realize there's something that needs to be changed/adapted.  They could evolve.  They could seek out new skills.  They could ask for help.

This approach would also force people to HUSTLE.  It's just too easy to "click apply."  People who refused to pay to apply (couldn't afford it, refused to, etc.) would be forced to learn new skills, networking skills, how to leverage social media, etc. 

Isn't that how it happens?  We don't adapt and learn new skills until we have to, right?

I know this sounds wacky, but this would restore some order to an otherwise broken system.

Special thanks to Katie Salisbury from @HarperStudio for the photo

A few months ago, a colleague introduced me to Gary Vay-ner-chuk and his wildly popular Web site: Wine Library TV.  

I was immediately hooked by Gary's candid video reviews of wine which were, well... fun.  Maybe it's because we're the same age.  Maybe it's because we both love football.   (Gary loves the Jets and I love the Pats).  But it's hard for me not to like this guy.  But in the end, what makes Gary successful is he is so very passionate about everything he does.  

I recently obtained a review copy of his new book "Crush It! Why Now Is The Time to Cash In On Your Passion."  (It will be out Oct. 13th).

The book discusses a lot of themes I support:
* Don't Settle
* Be Honest
* Build Your Personal Brand
* You can monetize any passion
* Hustle

This book is a great primer for anyone who has yet to enter the social media space or any novices who have yet to truly tap the powers of Facebook, Twitter, etc. for your company or for your personal brand.

And let's face it, in this ultra-competitive job market, NOW is the time to start developing your personal brand and differentiating yourself from the thousands of other professionals in your field.  It will help raise your profile in your current job, and create a safety net in case you need to find a new one.

Gary provides an equal amount of his own story, marketing strategy, inspiration," social media for dummies" overview, useful blogs and Web sites and a checklist of things you can do to go from 0 to "social media savvy" in a few weeks.

In Gary's words: "Ultimately this book is not about making a million dollars... It's about ensuring your own happiness by enabling you to live every day passionately and productively."

Lastly, one thing I have taken away from Gary is to "care and be responsive."  He tries to answer as many emails and tweets as he can.  Email him at Gary@vaynermedia.com.  And follow him on Twitter @garyvee.

And here's a special bonus.  My favorite Wine Library TV episode.  Gary with Wayne Gretzky!