Uncategorized Archives

Tech Career Reboot! Working Together to Navigate Layoffs. The Recap for February

Tech Career Reboot Recap – February 2024

Welcome to the "Tech Career Reboot - The Recap," where we are offering insights and highlights from our monthly virtual meetup. Tech Career Reboot is a virtual, monthly meeting dedicated to supporting people navigating career transitions in technology. Our hope is for this blog to serve as a valuable resource for our community and beyond.

We're committed to fostering a supportive community where people facing career transitions can find encouragement, advice, and solidarity. Through our recap blog, we aim to extend this sense of community and provide valuable insights gleaned from our collective experiences and discussions. Our goal is to create a space where you can find hope, resilience, and a sense of belonging as you navigate the ups and downs of your professional life. So, pull up a chair and join us as we delve into the insights and highlights from our most recent Tech Career Reboot meetup.

With the power of community behind us, there's no challenge we can't overcome together.

AI Help for Resumes and Cover Letters

During this week's Tech Career Reboot, we delved into innovative strategies for utilizing AI tools in your job search, crafting resumes and cover letters, specifically. Imagine having a virtual assistant at your side, helping tailor your application materials to catch the eye of resume screeners.

By simply pasting the job description along with your resume into the text box, you can prompt AI to generate a customized cover letter or resume perfectly aligned with the position you're pursuing. Plus, you can take it a step further by prompting AI to customize your resume for each position you apply for, ensuring it highlights your most relevant skills and experiences. While AI tools can streamline the process and provide a strong foundation, it's crucial to remember to edit the results to ensure your unique insights and adaptability shine through.

AI Help for Data Visualization

Platforms like Copilot can be a game-changer in your job search journey, particularly when it comes to showcasing your skills and achievements. With Copilot's assistance, you can take your resume to the next level by generating visually appealing charts or graphs that highlight your expertise, experience, and accomplishments. Whether you're crafting intricate charts or dynamic graphs, Copilot streamlines the process, allowing you to convey complex information in a clear and easily understandable format.

For example, you can create bar charts to showcase proficiency in various programming languages or tools or utilize line charts and pie charts to visualize your contributions to projects. Additionally, features like heatmaps can help display your expertise in specific domains, such as data analysis or machine learning, making your portfolio even more compelling.

One member of our community suggested sharing these AI-generated visualizations on platforms like Reddit to tap into the collective wisdom of the community. Seeking feedback from real people ensures that your visualizations resonate and effectively communicate your message, ultimately increasing your chances of leaving a lasting impression on potential employers.

AI Help for Your AI Use

As we were discussing the importance of adding a personal touch to your job applications, one tool stood out. GPT-3 tools like Gptzero.me have become invaluable assets in maintaining that human connection in today's digital landscape. When you input text into the text box of Gptzero.me, its advanced algorithms analyze your content to determine how much of it "sounds" like it was written by a human. This process allows you to strike the right balance between human authenticity and AI assistance in crafting your cover letters and resumes.

By utilizing GPTZero to review your application materials, you can ensure they resonate with hiring managers on a personal level, a crucial factor in distinguishing yourself from other applicants. Moreover, demonstrating your familiarity with such AI tools during interviews or networking discussions can enhance your candidacy, portraying you as a tech-savvy professional with a deep understanding of the evolving job market dynamics.

This fusion of technology and authenticity not only sets you apart from the competition but also highlights your adaptability and awareness of the contemporary professional landscape.

LinkedIn Learning

Several attendees shared how diving into AI tools has not only made them more competitive in their job searches but has also enhanced their skill sets. LinkedIn emerged as a standout resource, particularly for those in tech-related fields. Its vast array of courses offers a wealth of opportunities to upskill and stay ahead of the curve.

Among these, "Paired Programming with AI" was highlighted as an excellent course to refine programming abilities and learn effective collaboration with AI tools—a highly sought-after skill in today's job market. As artificial intelligence continues to integrate into various industries, mastering these skills is not just beneficial but essential. Enrolling in courses like "Paired Programming with AI" not only boosts technical prowess but also positions you as an adaptable and innovative candidate.

Furthermore, the certifications obtained from completing such courses serve as valuable assets on your resume, grabbing recruiters' attention and showcasing your commitment to professional growth. Whether you're a seasoned professional expanding your skill set or a job seeker striving to stand out, leveraging AI courses on LinkedIn is a strategic move that can unlock exciting new opportunities.

Untapped Job Opportunites

As we were nearing the end of our meeting, an interesting point arose about the potential in small companies and startups, especially regarding fractional support roles. These roles, which require specialized skills on a part-time basis, offer a compelling avenue for people looking to gain valuable experience and make meaningful contributions to growing companies.

While these organizations may not have the resources to support full-time positions, they often require specific expertise to fulfill critical functions. As a job seeker, exploring fractional support roles can be advantageous, as they allow you to leverage your skills and knowledge in a flexible capacity.

By taking on such roles, you not only broaden your professional horizons but also have the opportunity to work closely with passionate teams and contribute to the success of innovative ventures. Additionally, fractional support roles can serve as stepping stones to full-time positions or pave the way for future entrepreneurial endeavors. The possibilities are endless, and you never know where these paths may lead you.

Wrapping up this Tech Career Reboot session, we've explored a plethora of innovative strategies and tools to empower you in your career journey. From harnessing AI to enhance your job search to leveraging platforms like Copilot and other tools to craft personalized and compelling application materials, the possibilities for growth and advancement are boundless. Embracing continuous learning through platforms like LinkedIn and exploring opportunities in small companies and startups, including fractional support roles, can open doors to exciting new possibilities.

Remember, each twist and turn in your career path presents an opportunity for growth and discovery. With the support of our vibrant community and the arsenal of tools at your disposal, there's no challenge too daunting to overcome. So, as you embark on your next career transition, do so with confidence and optimism, knowing that each step forward brings you closer to your goals.

Next time, you could be part of the conversation! Join us on the third Wednesday of every month - our next will be March 20th at 10:30 am. We'd love to see you there! Stay tuned for more details.

As always, feel free to reach out to us at contact@quardev.com.

Resume Writing 101: Mastering the Dos and Avoiding the Don’ts

In today's competitive job market, a well-crafted resume can go a long way. A strong resume showcases your skills, qualifications, and experience in a way that grabs the attention of potential employers. However, creating an effective resume is not that simple. It requires time, energy, and careful attention to detail.

In this blog, we will explore some essential resume dos and don’ts to help you optimize your resume and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

Resume Dos:

Do use a professional format:

Though you do want to stand out to potential employers, you don’t want it to be because of your resume format. Present your resume in a clean, professional format that is easy to read.

Use a consistent font, appropriate headings, and bullet points to organize information effectively. Remember, simplicity and clarity are key. Avoid using flashy designs or excessive colors that may distract the reader.

Do start with a compelling summary or objective statement:

Chances are that employers will spend most of their time looking at the first half of your resume. Thus, it is very important to make the introduction of your resume compelling. Your summary/objective is your hook: a chance to capture your reader’s attention and make them spend more time on your application.

Begin your resume with a concise summary or objective statement that highlights your strengths, career goals, and the value you can bring to the employer. This section should be tailored to the specific job and efficiently explain your interest in the position.

Do highlight specific accomplishments and results:

Your resume is a chance to make a case for yourself as a strong candidate. What better way to do this than with cold, hard, facts? Instead of simply listing job responsibilities, emphasize your achievements and the impact you made in previous roles.

Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible, using numbers or percentages to showcase your contributions. This demonstrates your ability to deliver tangible results, which goes a long way in proving that you will add value to the role.

Do showcase your skills:

Yes, experience is crucial, but skills can be just as essential. Create a dedicated section to showcase your skills, including both hard and soft skills.

Hard skills refer to technical abilities specific to the job. Soft skills, on the other hand, are more versatile qualities such as communication, problem-solving, or leadership skills. Provide concrete examples of how you have utilized these skills in previous roles to make your application stronger.

Additionally, when you are lacking experience that may be desired for the job, this is where your skills can be critical. In this case, emphasizing your transferable skills is key. Though you don’t have the job history of the ideal candidate, you might have gained the necessary skills elsewhere. In other words, in some circumstances, skills can effectively supplement experience you may lack. They can serve to make your resume stronger.

Do tailor your resume to the job:

One size does not fit all when it comes to resumes. Each job application is unique. It is thus important to customize your resume to match each specific role description. Carefully read the job descriptions to pick out the most essential skills and experience. Then write your resume in such a way that highlights your training, positions, and achievements that best align with the position.

Tailoring your resume demonstrates that you understand the role and will make a valuable contribution to the organization. It also shows that you care enough about the job to put significant effort into your application.

Do optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems:

Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. To increase your chances of passing through this initial screening, familiarize yourself with these systems and how to be noticed by them. For more advice on this, check out last week’s blog.

A good place to start with ATS-friendly resumes is to incorporate relevant keywords from the job description. Be mindful of the context and ensure the keywords are naturally integrated throughout your resume. It is also important to use formats such as PDF or .Docx that can be easily read by ATS and to utilize intuitive and common language for your headings.

Resume Don'ts:

Don't include irrelevant information:

Keep your resume concise and focused on relevant information. A good rule of thumb is to keep your resume under one page, especially if you are a recent graduate or have under ten years of relevant experience. If you have extensive experience, a slightly longer resume may be appropriate. However, you would almost never want a resume to be longer than two to three pages.

Hiring managers generally have limited time to sit with a resume, so it is best if you can keep resumes simple and to the point. Exclude details that are not directly related to the job or industry you're targeting like unrelated work experience or irrelevant hobbies.

Limiting the amount of information on the resume helps to hold the employer’s attention and makes it easier to find information regarding what makes you a good candidate.

Don't use vague or generic language:

When it comes to your achievements, experience, and skills, avoid using generic phrases or clichés that fail to differentiate you from other candidates. Instead, use specific and action-oriented language to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities. This creates a stronger impact and conveys your unique value.

It’s important to note that this does not apply to headings. When it comes to headings, for the purpose of ATS, it is best to use standard and generic headings such as “Education” and “Skills”.

Don't include personal information:

It's unnecessary and unprofessional to include personal information like marital status, religion, or social media profiles on your resume (with the possible exception of LinkedIn). Also, because of discrimination laws in the United States, submitting a headshot is not allowed.

Focus on presenting your professional qualifications and let your skills and experience speak for themselves.

Don’t forget to check your work:

It seems obvious, but it is essential to check your work. Applying for jobs can be draining, so it is tempting to look your resume over once and want to be done with it. However, it is important to resist this temptation and make sure that you go through it thoroughly.

Spelling or grammatical mistakes can overshadow an otherwise standout resume. Careless mistakes create a negative impression and signal a lack of attention to detail. Proofread your resume thoroughly, making sure to take a break after writing it, so that you can look it over with fresh eyes. It is also a good idea to use spell-check tools and consider seeking feedback from others.

Wrapping Up:

Crafting an outstanding resume requires effort and careful attention to detail. By following these do's and don'ts, you can create a resume that stands out from the competition and increases your chances of securing your dream job.

Remember to tailor your resume to each position, highlight your achievements, and present information in a clear and concise manner. Your resume is your ticket to an interview, so make it count!

We wish you the best of luck in your job search. And if you are in need of more personalized advice, feel free to reach out to us at contact@quardev.com!

Book lying open on a table with light and smoke rising from the center

Resume Wizardry: Mastering Applicant Tracking Systems for a Standout Resume

Have you ever applied to multiple jobs without hearing back? This can feel frustrating but know that you are not alone. Did you know that around 70% of resumes are not even seen by employers?

When it comes to applying for jobs online, optimizing your resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS) is essential. To increase your chances of getting noticed and landing an interview read on to learn to optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems.

Understanding ATS

It seems obvious, but to optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems, you first need to understand what ATS is and what its purpose is. So, what is ATS?

These are computer algorithms that help employers filter and rank resumes based on specific criteria. Employers use them to filter out unqualified applicants and streamline the process of finding the most suitable candidates. They are used by most large companies and an increasing number of small companies as well.

If you’ve ever applied for a job online, then your resume has most likely gone through an ATS. Although they make the hiring process simpler and more efficient for employers, their criteria can sometimes be too rigid, allowing highly qualified candidates to slip through the cracks.

It is crucial to design your resume in such a way that you don’t get passed over by these algorithms.

Pick a strong base format

Start by selecting a strong base format for your resume. While there are various formats to choose from (chronological, functional, combination), consider one that highlights your skills and experiences relevant to the job you're applying for. In most circumstances, a chronological resume, listing your work experience in reverse-chronological order, is the most effective.

If you are building your resume from scratch and don’t know where to start, check out our previous blog for some extra guidance. Choosing the right base format to highlight your skills and experience will provide a solid foundation for optimizing your resume for ATS.

Choose an ATS-friendly resume template or builder

To ensure your resume is compatible with ATS, using an ATS-friendly resume template or builder can be helpful.

These templates are designed to meet the technical requirements of applicant tracking systems, such as using standard fonts, appropriate headings, and optimized formatting. Using such templates can help your resume pass through ATS scanning more effectively.

Keywords, keywords, keywords

Tailoring your resume to fit the job description is always important, especially when ATS is involved. Keywords play a crucial role in optimizing your resume for applicant tracking systems.

These systems search for specific keywords and phrases relevant to the job description. To increase your chances of getting noticed, carefully review the job posting and identify the keywords used. Incorporate those keywords naturally and frequently throughout your resume, especially in the skills, experience, and summary sections.

However, be cautious to avoid excessive keyword stuffing, as it may appear unnatural and harm your chances. In addition, it is best to avoid acronyms, as ATS sometimes misses these. Instead, be sure to spell keywords out completely.

Use common and intuitive language for your headings

When crafting the headings for each section of your resume, it's important to use common and intuitive language. Applicant tracking systems often look for standard headings, such as "Education," "Work Experience," "Skills," and "Certifications." Using non-standard or humorous headings such as “Where I Learned” or “Why You Should Hire Me” may confuse the system and lead to your resume being overlooked.

Stick to industry-accepted terminology to ensure compatibility with ATS.

Upload your resume as a PDF or .docx file

When submitting your resume online, it's crucial to upload it in a format that is easily readable by applicant tracking systems. Some application platforms may specify a format but others may not. When in doubt, PDF and .docx formats are widely accepted and compatible with most ATS platforms.

These formats preserve the formatting and ensure that the system accurately scans and parses the content of your resume. Avoid using unusual file formats or converting your resume into an image, as this can lead to compatibility issues with ATS.

Read and reread your resume again

Before submitting your resume, thoroughly check your work to ensure it is error-free and optimized for applicant tracking systems. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors. Also, ensure that your contact information is accurate and up-to-date.

Additionally, review the overall layout and formatting to make sure it appears professional and visually appealing. Consider seeking feedback from a trusted friend or utilizing online resume optimization tools to further improve your resume. Some free ATS-friendly resume scanners include Jobscan and Resume Worded. It’s always good to have a second pair of eyes.

Wrapping up

Optimizing your resume for applicant tracking systems is crucial in today's competitive job market. By following these tips, you can increase the chances of your resume passing through ATS and catching the attention of hiring managers.

By optimizing your resume for ATS, you'll be well on your way to securing your dream job. If you need any help, don’t hesitate to contact us at Contact@quardev.com. Best of luck in your job search! We’re rooting for you!

If you are looking for more personalized advice, don't hesitate to reach out to us at contact@quardev.com!

Blog Title: You Can Get There from Here - Getting the skills you need for the job you want. Image: Several people in the forefront and background helping each other scale the side of a shadowed mountain side.

Getting the Skills You Need for the Position You Want

What’s standing in between you and your dream job? It’s probably less than you think. If you are interested in gaining skills for your career development - stick around! We've got some unconventional ideas for how you can gain the skills you need for the position you want.

Check out this list of some ways that you can get the experience and skills you’re missing...without having to get another degree.

Volunteering

You can find volunteer opportunities in pretty much any area. There are many sites that help connect you with positions in your area, such as volunteermatch.org and justserve.org.

Benefits of volunteering:

Develop soft skills

Through volunteering, you will develop many soft skills that are transferable to your next job. Some of these skills might include time management, communication, and empathy.

So, while it might be better, for career development purposes, to volunteer in a relevant industry, any volunteer experience you have is going to make you a better candidate for most jobs.

Give back to the community

Volunteering is a great way to get involved in your local community and give back. When you volunteer, you really do make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Helping others is a great thing to do, and this will be reflected in your own sense of purpose and happiness. It also shows potential employers that you care about your community and the people in it, which speaks to your character.

Get relevant work experience

Volunteer experience is extremely valuable to hiring managers. In fact, in a survey by Deloitte, 82 percent of hiring managers said they were more likely to choose candidates with relevant volunteer experience.

What’s more, 85 percent said that they would be more willing to overlook other resume flaws if a candidate had volunteer experience.

Volunteering is a very helpful way for you to get experience related to your desired job. It’s also a great way to learn more about the industry you’re interested in going into.

And it helps you stand out on a resume by showing that you are dedicated to your field and helping make your community a better place.

Learn more about yourself

Volunteering is a great way to learn about yourself and your interests. Through volunteering, you might discover types of work that you really like, as well as work that you want to avoid in the future.

Volunteering is a fantastic way to explore some of your interests and test out if they are something you would like to pursue in the future.

Make connections

The people you meet while volunteering are likely to have similar interests and passions as you, and possibly similar career paths. This provides a great opportunity to discuss your goals and ideas, as well as build strong relationships.

Some of the people you meet might even be able to provide you with a great reference or share opportunities with you in the future.

Webinars

Benefits of attending webinars:

Get up to speed and stay up to date

With our world full of technology, it can be tough to stay updated on the latest in your industry. But going out of your way to do so will be to your benefit. It helps you stay competitive in the job market.

In addition, it will make you a lifelong learner. Being a lifelong learner is not only good for your career development, but also for your brain and for your well-being.

Because webinars are so plentiful, and they often focus on topics that are current and relevant, they are a fantastic tool for staying up to date in your industry.

Flexible and convenient

A big draw of webinars is that they are so convenient. Because they are online, you don’t have to travel to attend one. This alone can save you large amounts of time and money. On top of that, many of them are available for a low cost or for free.

Additionally, the options for webinars are pretty much limitless. You can find an endless selection of live and recorded webinars online.

With so many different ones out there, you are bound to find some that will be useful to you, and that will work with your schedule. There are many websites that put together lists of upcoming webinars, so you can easily find ones that will be relevant to you.

Networking

You’re attending a webinar because you are hoping to stay up to date with current industry news and skills. And because you’re interested in the content. Well, so is everyone else there!

Webinars provide a great opportunity to meet and interact with like-minded people and build new professional connections. Don’t be shy to speak up if you have a question, a thought you want to discuss, or if someone else has a great idea you want to hear more about.

Most open positions aren’t even posted online, they are filled through networking and internal referrals. So, putting yourself out there can lead to opportunities that aren’t even being advertised, increasing the likelihood that you will find the role you’ve been wanting.

Easy access to recordings

Ever attended a seminar or lecture that you thought was interesting, but after a week went by you struggled to recall all the important details? Fortunately, since webinars are often recorded, you likely be able to find a link to them.

This feature of webinars is definitely a part of their appeal. Since they are recorded, you don’t have to worry about taking amazing notes, and can put more energy into actively participating in the dialogue. You can always go back and re-watch points that you missed or need to reinforce your understanding of.

Online Courses

Benefits of taking online courses:

Low-cost

There are several websites that offer low-cost or free online courses. This makes them a great and accessible alternative to taking in-person classes at your local university.

You can find these on sites such as LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, HubSpot, and Google Digital Garage - or simply by searching “free online courses”.

High-quality

Many online courses are offered by highly regarded and prestigious institutions. They are well-designed to help students learn most effectively.

Through these classes, you’ll have access to instructors who are experts in the field and can gain critical knowledge from them.

You stand out

Taking online courses in your own time demonstrates that you are motivated to learn and improve your skills. It shows that you are willing to take the initiative and go that extra mile to achieve your goals.

It also communicates that you have a genuine interest in the subject matter. These are qualities that are highly desirable to employers and will make you stand out as a great candidate.

Gain experiences you can highlight on your resume

Often in online courses, they will ask you to put together a project or presentation to demonstrate what you’ve learned in the course. When completing these assignments, it is important that you don't phone them in.

They may seem low-stakes and irrelevant to your career, but the more effort you put into them, the greater the benefit will be to you later.

These kinds of projects are great talking points in an application or interview. By including details about your experience with the course, you can prove that it was worthwhile and that you went above and beyond. This can bolster your application.

Courses can be as specific as you need

At a college or university program, your options for courses might be limited. You might need to complete certain courses that are graduation requirements, even if they are not necessarily relevant to your future career.

But with online courses, you can pretty much find any course you need. Everything on the web is available to you. Courses can be as general as an introduction to finance, or as specific as an in-depth guide to Microsoft Excel.

Gain credentials

Upon completion of the webinar or online course, they often give you a certificate. This is great because it is something specific to put on a resume that shows you have been working on your skills.

This can help to make up for where you are lacking in work experience or other credentials.

Convenient

In addition, if you’re looking for a particular course, you might be out of luck due to scheduling conflicts or availability issues.

However, with online courses, there are so many options. In addition, they are often self-paced, so you can make them work for your schedule.

Mentorship

Mentorship is a long-term professional relationship that can benefit both people involved.

To choose a mentor, think about someone who you admire and whose career you take inspiration from. They can be a mutual friend, a family member, a past manager, or anyone else in your circle.

When you’ve found someone who you think would make a suitable mentor, schedule a meeting with them to explain the guidance you’re seeking and why you’d like them to be your mentor.

Understand that not everyone will be able to take on the time commitment that comes with being a mentor, but you are likely to find someone who has both the availability and the enthusiasm to assume this role.

Benefits of mentorships:

What a mentor can help you with:

Help you set and achieve your goals

You might not know how to turn your aspirations into reality, but a mentor can give you insights and ideas that may not have crossed your mind. They have a different perspective and can see things from a different vantage point.

A mentor can help you set goals, offering guidance and advice for your career growth. They have helpful knowledge about what it will take to get to where you are going from where you are.

They can also hold you accountable, and make sure that you are making progress toward your goals. A mentor will also support you, providing encouragement along the way. One big benefit of having a mentor is that you don’t have to work toward your goals alone.

Help you connect to the right people or opportunities

Your mentor is a powerful connection to have. They probably know many people who would be great for you to work with. Your mentor will get to know you, and your goals, interests, and experience. Thus, they will be in a great position to connect you with just the opportunities you need to take the next step in your career.

Provides constructive feedback

Because mentorship is a professional relationship, mentors will be in a better place to provide you with constructive feedback than your close friends or family may be. Constructive feedback is important because it allows you to learn things about yourself that might not otherwise learn - the good and the less good.

Accolades are always easy to receive, but sometimes it's hard to hear improvements are needed. Both of these sets of feedback are important and necessary for your professional growth.

There is value in all of the feedback you receive. It's good to get an outside perspective, and within the mentorship, it should always be kind and helpful.

What you can help a mentor with:

Allows them to strengthen their knowledge

You might think that your lack of experience means that you have nothing to teach your mentor, but this is not true. As someone with an interest in their field and with a drive to learn more about it, you are a great person for them to exchange ideas and insights.

You also come from a different background from them, which means that you offer a unique perspective. In addition, teaching others is a great way for them to solidify and strengthen their knowledge.

Enhances their leadership skills

Being a mentor is a leadership role. They serve as a guide to help you achieve your goals. In doing this, they learn more about how to be a successful leader. If they are able to be a mentor, they show that they are effective in managing and helping others.

Leadership skills are extremely valuable in pretty much any career. The mentor can use these skills that they’ve acquired with you to further their career.

Helps establish them as experts in their industry

A mentorship shows that they have valuable knowledge to share, and also that they are willing to help others grow their knowledge and succeed in the industry.

This demonstrates that they are experts in their field and that others have a lot to learn from them. Being a mentor will add to their qualifications, and help them stand out in an application, or when looking for a promotion.

What you can help each other with:

Exchange ideas

Ideally, you and your mentor will share common interests. This means they will be a great person to talk to and bounce ideas off. Exchanging ideas with another motivated professional is a great way to stimulate creativity. In addition, it will help keep your interest and desire to succeed in the field alive.

The takeaway

The main lesson that we hope you take away from this is that whatever is holding you back from your goals, there’s a workaround. You have options.

With a little determination, resourcefulness, and support from others along the way, you can close the gap between your current qualifications and those needed to secure your dream job.

The Value of a LinkedIn Connection

by Kris Minkel, Recruiting Manager

Often, when we receive requests for connections on LinkedIn we tend to just accept or decline that person with a quick glance or thought. However, when you are connecting with someone on LinkedIn, you are gathering a person’s contact information and access to them for professional related inquiries, and vice versa.

How often do you stop and consider if you can work with that person? Is this someone who has an established positive reputation? Is this someone who is connected to people you know and would be recommended by them? Those are just a few things that should cross into our minds. What about removing a connection? LinkedIn is not Facebook although it seems like the two parallel sometimes. People “delete” friends on Facebook for any reason possible. For some of us business is personal but on the LinkedIn platform it’s all about business and should stay that way.

As a Recruiter I can only think of a few times where I have removed someone who was a connection. One example is recent: I reached out to a person who I connected with and who confirmed an interview with me and my client. But once the interview was scheduled the candidate didn’t show up for the accepted meeting. I called, texted, and e-mailed the person – but no response. The human side of me was worried about their wellbeing. I never heard back and the client decided to pass.

A few weeks later, I received a notification on LinkedIn that this person had accepted a new position. I made the quick decision not to connect with them. Why? Based on the questions posed earlier in this article, this person does not have a positive reputation and they are not someone I can trust or work with. All would be fine if they had simply communicated what happened or what the reason was that they missed the interview, I could understand and work with them in the future. I get that plans change and opportunities arise and people need to go with the best scenario that fits their lives; but communication is key. I simply cannot recommend a person for my professional network that isn’t straightforward and open.

I work hard to create real new connections and to keep people with great reputations and people I have worked with in the past as connections. At its greatest LinkedIn enables our networks share new opportunities or help point us in a positive direction. These connections often recommend your work and your professionalism and if you have a recommendation from a Director, high-level executive or even your prior manager that goes a long way for your reputation.

Most recruiters will view your LinkedIn profile to see who you are connected with, review your work history, education, and any recommendations and then reach out for opportunities that may be a match for you. It is truly a great tool that you can take with you anywhere.

To connect with Quardev on LinkedIn click here.

July 2017 QASIG – Lightning Talks

At July’s QASIG Meeting, Wednesday, July 12th at 6:30 PM, we’ll be doing the Lightning Talk format – 4-5 short presentations (5 minutes each) on various subjects and with different presenters.

Confirmed Speakers:

Ian King, Hardware/Software Simulation Engineer, Flight Sciences, Blue Origin – Hardware-In-Loop Testing

Matt Griscom, MetaAutomation – Logs are the wrong tool for quality automation. Here’s what actually works

Satyajit Malugu, SDET4, GoDaddy – Robust and reliable Android app automation with Espresso

Srilu Balla, SDET, Holland-America Lines, SDET vs. Product Owner in Test

Michael R. Wolf, Scrum Master & Agile Team Coach, Independent – “Using the Agile Mindset (as Exploratory Testing) on the Agile Mindset”

Hope you can join us! Register here.