War Stories

Two posts in one day?! Maybe the world is coming to end. I'm interested in hearing your job search stories. What is driving you crazy? What have you appreciated? It's definitely still an employer's market and I just want to check in to make sure that potential employees are still being treated well.

Madam Interview

I must preface this entry by saying that I feel lucky to be landing so many job interviews. The conclusion I draw from this is that I am professionally desirable and have skills that are of value. In the past two months, approximately 85% of my initial phone interviews have turned into on-site, full-team interviews. There are generally 3-4 steps between those two stages, which usually involve some sort of analytical exercise and some more phone interviews. Thus far, my skill set and experience/background is good enough to propel me to the final stages. Here is where the process becomes confusing.

If I have reached this stage in the interview process, I am feeling pretty confident of my professional skill set. In other words, I have done quite a bit to prove my hard skills. For many of the companies I have interviewed with, these case studies I have to complete are often long and complicated and do a more than sufficient job of demonstrating my technical skill set. Beyond that, I have been asked very specific technical questions by many people...over and over again. Short of actually working for the company, I don't know how else to demonstrate that I can do what I say I can. So, the final interview is more to see how I fit as it were. This is a chance to demonstrate my soft skills. How do I relate to people? Can I think on my feet? Am I abrasive? Communication skills? Etc, etc.
For those of you who have read this blog before or who know me personally, you know my background is in clinical psychology. I have been trained in, essentially, how to communicate with other people...crazy people. I have NEVER felt anything but supremely confident in my people skills. Sure, everybody has their pet peeves and annoying habits but I am very in tune with mine and these don't generally come out in the first meeting with others. I can safely say my first impressions are usually positive, if not on the shyer side.
In fact, some of the feedback I received from several of the folks who interviewed me (during the interview) were, Wow! You have such a great presence about you. You really seem cheerful and upbeat. and Oh my gosh! You're so funny! You would totally fit in to this team so well! and Exactly! That's the type of thinking we're looking for in a candidate! Perfect. It's perfect.. I can quote more, but I would be bragging. In general, all of my interviews went very well with one HUGE exception:
The Interviewers.

In general, my final interviews consist of talking to many individuals or "decision makers". Overall, there appears to be one person who is always prepared, has questions on hand, has my resume, and is ready to go. Usually, this person is the hiring manager. The other 3-5 people can really vary but they are all part of the team who will decide whether or not I should be hired. What has been my experience thus far is that the interview with the hiring manager goes very well. I am able to answer questions specific to the position, tell them how I make the best candidate, tell them why I want to work there, etc. Then, depending on where I am, the other individuals may or may not be prepared to interview me or may or may not really care. Many have not had my resume on hand (which is why I always bring extras), most don't have business cards, many come completely empty-handed, and one never even introduced himself. Their canned questions last about 5 minutes, to which I attempt to answer to the best of my ability and then they rattle off what they do for the 10 minutes. The last portion of the interview is left to allow me to take over with any questions I may have. I usually ask the same ones because they're really good ones, and most of time, the interviewers have really bad answers.
How on earth is one supposed to come out ahead in an interview like this? Today I received an email from one of those companies letting me know that I wasn't a "perfect fit". How could they tell? What could those people have possibly reported back to their boss about me? Maybe I was never really a consideration to begin with but yet another case of "seeing what's out there?". STOP THE MADNESS!
Employers: For God's Sake, Listen To Me!
A). Do NOT bring me in for a 3 hour round of interviews if I am not, at the very least, in your top 3 candidates.
B). Do NOT send in your staff to assess me if they are incapable of doing so fairly. Of course the next guy who has the same Alma Matter as your Marketing Manager is going to seem like a better fit if he doesn't ask us the same questions - or any questions pertaining the job at all.
C). If you think I am a great fit, then hire me! I promise you, you can look forever for the "perfect fit" but Jesus Christ will probably never walk through the door no matter how long you look. Statistically, it is in your best interest to hire the first person who fits all of your criteria for said position. I should know!

Still Truckin'. Job Search Efforts: R.O.I.

It has definitely been a while and, quite frankly, I wish I could say that my search was over. But with unemployment still at a record high (despite the minuscule drop), I am not alone. The average job search being about 6 months, I am about half way through the projected average. Here's to hoping I'm on the left-side of the curve!
In the last month or so, I've been able to gather more data which has allowed me to start seeing trends in my job search. Hopefully, this data will prove valuable in shortening my job search time as I can start to really hone in on what is really working. Before I begin:
These results are not generalizable. Each person's job search is very specific to them. There are a number of variables that go into a job search and each carries different weights in terms of importance and R.O.I. I present this as an example of what has been working for me given my specific situation. Additionally, remember that none of these methods has actually resulted in an offer so they're all ineffective in the truest sense. For this reason, I am measuring success as obtaining a phone interview or more.

1). Job Boards: I've seen a lot written about how useless job boards are in a job search. In my particular job search, I couldn't disagree more. One has to know how to use job boards as a tool rather than a crutch. Job boards are great for developing leads (e.g. specific jobs, names of companies, recruiting firms, etc.). Using the right job board - and I prefer aggregators like Indeed.com or Simplyhired.com - you can hunt for the job that is right for you. Of course, the next step is to apply via the method available. If your pursuit stops at this point, you will probably never hear from the company again. As soon as you hit the "apply" or "submit" button, you jump on over to LinkedIn and do some detective work to find the appropriate person with whom to follow up. Sometimes that person will be a recruiter. It's better if that person is a manager. Either way, figure out a way to connect with someone in that department, if possible, so that you can begin to be seen as a person instead of a resume. This has worked for me when I see positions that are close to what I'm seeking but maybe too senior or junior. Again, I find a person associated with that position and let them know that I am very interested in pursuing work with them if there is anything else available or something that may come up. It all comes down to being a bit of an investigator and having the appropriate means of contact. Which brings me to:

2). LinkedIn: If you don't have a LinkedIn account, get one. NOW. I am not sure how anyone is finding work in this economy with the help of LinkedIn. I am an incredibly active user and have found that this has been very valuable in my job search. Make connections! Join groups! Answer questions! All of these features get you closer to the decision makers who can ultimately get you employed. I would say that 75% of my job search success has been a direct result of LinkedIn. Networking does not always have to be in person. In fact, I have found that the face-to-face networking that I have done has had very little R.O.I. People are busy and they have their own lives to worry about. It sounds harsh, but it's true. And quite frankly, just because you know Roger in Accounting doesn't mean he can do much for your bid in Marketing beyond walking your resume over to HR. This might have worked even a year and half ago, but things are far different now. Don't get me wrong - networking is incredibly important. However, if you don't have a direct line to the hiring manager of the position that you want, your chances are very slim. I say: Why don't you be that line?

These are my top two methods that have brought me the most phone and face-to-face interviews. They can be a bit time-consuming but finding a job is my new job. And I am perfectly find with that. Currently, I am seriously being considered for 2 positions. I have been here once before and it did not pan out, but I continue to keep my hopes up and keep on truckin!

Losing Steam

I didn't think I would arrive at this point so soon, but WOW- rejection can certainly catch up with you quickly! I consider myself a fairly goal-oriented person. In my mind, few things are left to chance. This is especially true when it comes to one's personal success. I have very few regrets professionally and I think this is because I am well thought out and weight my decisions very carefully (I am a researcher, after all). I think this is why this job hunt has been particularly difficult for me. Despite doing "my best" and following a well laid out plan, I am met with a whole lot of nothing.
When I first met unemployment, I looked it in the eye, ready to fight to the death. Bad economy? Ha! I laugh in the face of 11% unemployment! 1 year at my previous employer? Who cares? It is my previous experience and transferable skills that will win everyone over! I suppose ignorance really is bliss.
I try not to think too hard about my competition. Since I was a child, fearing what the other girl had on me was my usual downfall. I have since been able to graduate from a prestigious school and ascertain management-level jobs not thinking too much about who I was up against. I think this tactic might have worked against me this time around. Understanding the statistics of my job search is crucial to my success. It has also been incredibly sobering.
Enter my pity party.

For each position that I am 105% qualified for, there are probably 50 solid candidates who equally qualified if not more so. This req. might have already gone through the "friends and family" round, too (e.g.-someone in the company knows someone who is a good fit and will, most likely, get the job) which means that there is no REAL chance for any applicant. In addition, recruiters have no room to be creative. They have deliver an exact match for their client. What this means is don't bother applying to a position that a recruiter posts unless you have been doing that same exact job for the past 5 years. Oh, it also helps if you have done this job at a competitor.
Faced with these facts, I did due diligence to my job search. I followed (and continue to follow) the most common tips and advice like: networking, keeping your online presence strong and following up with folks. I put all of these things into practice and yet, here I am. Jobless still. One could say that I've had 3 interviews, which is pretty good. But as my husband would say, "Interviews don't pay the bills." Here is my consensus about all of this job hunting advice:
The economy sucks.
Kind of like the title of this blog. Guess what? I have a solid network of very influential people at large companies...who are hiring. These people care a lot about me and my future (some are related to me). This hasn't resulted in a single interview. And it's not their fault. It could be that the position is too senior- there is nothing that can be done about that. It could be that the req. is another department where they don't know anybody. Here in the Silicon Valley, companies are huge and knowing one person in department X doesn't mean a damn thing if you want a job in department Y. So the whole network, network, network thing has resulted in nothing more than me feeling like a pest. Online presence? I'm pretty much writing this blog for myself because it doesn't seem to be attracting many readers...purposely. I update my LinkedIn profile often and am active in my groups but again, it hasn't resulted in much. Oh, and following up? I've sent so many emails to so many hiring managers and recruiters about open positions, my head might soon explode. What's worse is I haven't received a single email back. Not one. For the average person, this can become very discouraging very quickly.
But I don't want to wallow in self-pity. I'm not the type to do that. Today I heard that most economists are in agreement that 3rd quarter employment numbers should look promising. That's a glimmer of hope. I have noticed that there are more open positions each day than there was the day previously. Again-a possible flicker of light at the end of the tunnel. I will continue to keep data of my job hunt to see what is working best for me. I will continue to enjoy spending time with my friends during this unemployment period because, once I find work, it will be a while before I have that kind of free time. More importantly, I will be realistic and understand that competition is fierce, there is no doubt about it. I will try not to lose focus. Most importantly, I will understand that not everything goes according to plan.

Coolhunting Pays Off?

First, for all of those who are unclear as to what "coolhunting" is, read this. It's a Wiki article so it's not terribly detailed but it will give you a sense. Coolhunting is something that I have been doing for many years now. I only actually started harnessing the power of social networks a professional sense for the past few years. Truth be told, most companies still don't understand exactly how to navigate this incredible medium for marketing purposes. Social networks are complex systems of group think stirred with individuality added to a cup of anonymity sprinkled with a dash of arrogance. Marketers have always known that word-of-mouth is the most powerful selling tool in their arsenal. Now imagine that a single customer has the ability to turn one transaction into a good or bad review for thousands to read? The force is strong.

Having a positive online presence can make or break your company. Enter NVIDIA. Which, by the way, I can't help but sing to the tune of that "Activia" commercial, which I really hate. Slowly driving me crazy...
Anyway, I found a job listing for a Social Media Manager at NVIDIA this morning and was very intrigued. Being that it was a manager position, I didn't think it would fall into line with my 85% qualified rule, but I decided to check it out anyway. I am incredibly glad that I did because I am certain that I can rock NVIDIA's world in this role. Essentially, they are looking for somebody who can stay on top of their online presence and utilize "the force" to gain a competitive advantage. I wonder if they understand how my background combined with my professional and personal skills make me a perfect candidate. You don't? Oh! Let me explain...
Firstly, like I've said before, my online presence is vast and I have always been involved with the latest and greatest. I fully believe "the power of the people" and rarely go to movies, events or dinner anymore without first checking out what others have said first (via Yelp and Yahoo reviews, etc). I am generally the first of my peer groups to know what is hip and what the online world is up to. With that said, I have clout. I am "one of them". I am not simply a marketer who is trying to infiltrate a social group with the intent of selling or gathering information. And to all marketers who are attempting this: they know! Real coolhunters can spot a fake a mile away. Secondly, I have a solid understanding of social psychology which is crucial to deciphering social networks. Like I said before, it is a very complicated system and its members very quick to banish. One must have a well thought out plan before embarking on any marketing initiative. Thirdly, I have the experience because I have done it before. I know what to do and what not do because I have made mistakes before. I have also had huge successes, as well. I can walk the line between soft and hard skills, as I have written about here in the past. In terms of social marketing, this is really key. So, NVIDIA, what are you waiting for? I'm available for an interview whenever you are!

Ask and You Shall Receive

Just make sure not to mess it up when you get it.


So I managed to land a phone interview with both Netflix and Google! When I got the emails I was elated and my job search felt like it was finally paying off. The Netflix interview was sort of unexpected and, as a result, I didn't feel 100% prepared. I knew the req. inside and out and knew how great a match I made for it. The recruiter was very friendly and we went through the typical background questions first. What did I do at my last job? How does that translate to what this position requires, etc. etc. I was a little thrown off my game when she asked about the way we ran our data. What software did we use? Ummmm......ummmm.....drawing a blank....didn't really think about this....she's waiting for an answer. DAMMIT! When I think about it now, our data sets were never really that large and so we generally used online survey hosts to build our surveys and gather our data. As far as running analysis, we stuck to Excel most of the time. Oh hindsight, you bastard! Where were you when I needed you? Needless to say, I probably sounded like an idiot. She then asked a little bit more about my last company and I told her that it was a rather small company (about 15 people) to which she sounded less than enthusiastic. Strike two. At this point, I could have told her that I have worked for large companies before but my last employer was not one-which makes me quite versatile. But, nope. I was silent. I let her think that I am a small fry and have no experience in a large company setting. Strike three? Finally, she tells me more about the position and puts great emphasis on how quantitative it is (not sure if this is to subtly hint that it is beyond my skill set)and that it requires someone who can jump from one statistical package to the next to the next very quickly. She then asks me what I am looking for in my next position. Here is where I am sure that I sealed my fate. Instead of being succinct and to the point, my nerves get the best of me and I drone on about finding a place where I can continue to learn and grow and blah blah blah blah blah....kill me. Poor woman. I am pretty sure there is no way to salvage the interview at this point. She tells me that she is going to talk to the hiring manager a little more about me and my skills and will then get back to me sometime next week to let me know. I kindly thank her and hang up. Here is me:

Except I'm not a gorgeous athlete. So, I will wait but I am not expecting any miracles.
Next up: Google. I am still in a bit of shock that I was even noticed by Google. Out of the thousands of resumes they receive they called me! Regardless of what happens, I will always have that. When I saw that email in my inbox, I nearly peed my pants. I immediately googled (that's irony)"google phone interview" to gather pointers about what to expect. What I saw both helped and freaked me out a bit. I did everything I could to prepare for this interview. I even talked to someone in HR about the best way to prepare (friend of a friend). I think I might have been better prepared for this 30 minute phone interview than I was for my GREs. No, I know was better prepared.
Day of reckoning: The recruiter is very friendly and puts me at ease pretty quickly. She spends a great deal of time getting dates and degrees in order and then talks a little bit about what I did at previous jobs. Then the technical questions come out. My heart sinks and I know it's do or die. Despite my preparation, I am still a little thrown by a couple of the questions. I do my best to answer and she is very sweet not to rush or make me feel silly about obviously drawing a complete blank. Overall, I would guess that my score was 82%. That's a B-. Not exactly Google material. She did give me some insight into the position and informed me that what they were really looking for was someone with a background in mathematics. This is definitely not me. She said she pulled my resume because I had done a lot of the analysis that they were looking for and she, essentially, thought she'd give me a chance. I don't know what this means, exactly but I hope I didn't disappoint her too much. I won't find out if I made it to the second round until about 2 weeks from now. So few people make it much further than the 2nd interview and I don't think I will be one of them, but it was a great experience and one that few people get. It also shows me that my job hunt has not been in vain. That has given me a bit of hope.

Netflix- Your search is over for your next Consumer Insights Research Analyst.

So you want a Consumer Insights Research Analyst, do you? Well, I can't think of a better person for the job. I mean, really. If there is anything that I can consider myself an expert on it's human behavior. I've got a very expensive advanced degree from a great school that says so. More importantly, I've been studying and conducting research for such a long time, I think I do it in my sleep now. There will be some naysayers out there who will be quick to point out that the majority of my experience has been in Psychology and not Marketing. This is true, naysayer.

However, if one really understands the empirical method, particularly in social sciences, they will quickly see the similarities. Hypotheses are formed in the same way. The definitions of independent variable and dependent variable do not change, they just measure sales instead of sleep, for instance. When it comes to survey design (which is a large part of market research), the fundamentals are completely the same. Good questionnaire design ensures reliability, validity and weeds out the nonsense without putting the respondent to sleep. Certainly, the statistical analysis of data does not change from one subject to the next, either. The big lessons I have learned in making the transition from clinical research to market research are:
1). Time is not on your side, oh no it isn't.
Deadlines are inflexible and budgets are tight. Often times this means you have to speed up the empirical method and make cuts where you can and where it won't be detrimental to your study.
2). The client is always right, even when they aren't.
Okay, maybe not always but remember that the client has often invested a great deal of money in some result. It is not exactly your job to test their hypothesis as much as it is to help them find a better direction. In the end, if they decide that they want to throw all of your data out and go with what they want, you say:
SOUNDS GREAT!


But I've gone off topic. I'm convincing Netflix to hire me. As you can see, I know how things work despite the fact that a great majority of my research experience has been in a different field. What is more important is that I do have market research experience and feel very comfortable in a fast-paced corporate culture. I love developing surveys almost as much as I love analyzing them. I consider myself the Sherlock Holmes of consumers. Who are they? What makes them use the product? Do they like it? If we change this feature, how will they react? What is more exciting to me is that this information can be measured, in numbers! It's really quite fascinating.
In truth, I have been browsing the Netflix job listings page on and off for years now hoping that one day a perfect position would pop up. I could hardly contain myself when I saw this one. Obviously, there will be a flood of resumes that will come pouring in and may very well drown mine. There are some unbelievably qualified people out there. Truthfully, I don't know how to compete. Which is why I write this. I hope that someone finds this and sees my potential. I wish that my enthusiasm, experience and smarts win me, at the very least, an interview. So, if anyone at Netflix can hear me, give me a call! You won't be disappointed.