Use the internet to enhance job search

A number of questions have come up recently about the internet’s impact on the career search process. Today’s article will be devoted to discussing the pros and cons of searching for a job over the internet.

The internet is a phenomenal tool. Recent articles have compared it to the introduction of electricity, the automobile, and even the television. In other words it will positively impact the world for many years to come. And by the same token, there will be some negative impact as well.

Recognize when utilizing the internet in your career search process is that the hiring process itself remains very human. However, the internet can be an effective way to maximize your career search in certain areas. For example, the internet will assist you in researching companies for which you have scheduled interviews. Sometimes you will find that you may need to go beyond the internet in researching, but this is a great place to start. The internet can also be utilized in developing additional contacts for you in your career search. For example, additional companies that are in a certain industry in which you are interested. The internet can also tell you some of the companies that are hiring for the type of position you are seeking.

The internet can also assist you in disseminating your name in the public domain. Use caution, however, realizing that your career search will become public knowledge and will no longer remain confidential. This may be a factor if you are currently employed and do not want your employer to know that you are seeking a change. By the same token posting your resume on various websites can benefit you.

The internet can be an effective tool to use in your career search process. However, it is important to remember that the internet is just one more avenue in maximizing your search in the direction of which organization, which position, which boss is the right fit for you. Certain aspects of your career search will remain very human. For example, strong interviewing skills are vitally important in your search and you cannot typically use the internet to develop and hone those skills. Interviewing techniques are important to land that ideal position as we have discussed in past articles. Another very important aspect is negotiation skills that are best learned through one-on-one training sessions with a skilled career advisor. The other aspects of the human element of the career search are as equally important, i.e., employment documents (a cover letter and resume that best sell your skills, experience, and knowledge), identifying references that will sell you most effectively to potential employers, etc.

The challenge of the internet is how to find the information you need to enhance your career search. There is a wealth of information available and because of its volume, it is difficult to know which websites are most effective and contain the data one needs to be productive in their search. How many hours have you wasted trying to find something on the internet? This is a common problem for all of us!

We have found that our clients appreciate the guidance we provide them with respect to where to look on the internet for information that will assist them in their career search. Our research staff also utilizes the internet to find valuable information about certain industries and businesses for our clients.

When using a career marketing firm, it is highly recommended that you use a firm that has strong internet capabilities. These capabilities should be in the areas of research, including knowing how and when to pull up salary surveys, information on companies that have recently received venture capital funding, information on hot industries that are creating new positions, etc. This information should be available not only by state, but by region, etc. Finding open positions on the internet is also a valuable tool in one’s career/job search.
If you implement the internet in your entire career search process, you have maximized your search. By recognizing the human element you have actually maximized your career objectives as well. You have ensured that the career/job you are seeking is the right fit; in other words finding something that allows you to exercise your passion. You have ensured you have the necessary information on the organization itself; you have maximized your negotiation skills; you have empowered yourself by having all the information necessary to make wise decisions about your future.

The internet is here to stay and is a tool you should use in your career search.

Jude Fontenot

Assistant to CEO, GCM-Arbora

HQ’s consultant – Packard Brown

This is the fifth installment of a blog covering GCM-Arbora’s services and the fourth relating to the work performed by the consultant staff.  As seen through the accounts of work performed by Carole Crane (Fort Collins), Scott Woodard (Westminster), and Judith “Jo” Mayl (Greenwood Village), GCM-Arbora continues to live up to its reputation as the premier career management firm in Colorado.  Having maintained a prominent profile in Colorado for 22 years and having an office in Seattle, WA for the last 7 years the staff at GCM-Arbora has developed ties to companies in Colorado, having performed outplacement services for such companies as Farmer’s Insurance, GHX, and Swift.

Packard Brown is the consultant whom I will write about this week.  Mr. Brown maintains the GCM-Arbora tradition of developing and maintaining professional relationships and fostering those relationships through ongoing networking.  These attributes will be seen through my account of his recent work performed for his clients.  In addition to Packard’s accomplishments providing outstanding service to his private clientele, he may be the most experienced member of GCM’s staff when it comes to Executive Coaching and Corporate Outplacement.

Mr. Brown’s diverse skill set can be traced to his ongoing education; he has a Master’s Degree from the University of Denver’s (DU) Iliff School of Theology and has engaged in graduate studies at Princeton University.  Recently, Packard has taught Executive Coaching classes in the Executive MBA program at DU’s Daniels School of Business.  Prior to joining GCM-Arbora Packard was the head of career centers for US West and Lockheed Martin.

The last few months have been an exciting time for Packard and his clients.  Packard has recently guided his clients through the interview process into positions in industries such as financial and internet/medical/advertisement, and with the United States federal government:

1)  Financial – In June this client accepted a position as District Manager for Hitachi Capital America Corporation after working the GCM process for 2-3 months.  The client’s prior experience in the automotive leasing and financing industry caught the eye of Hitachi’s management and with Packard’s guidance was able to secure a 15% increase in total compensation.  Hitachi Capital America Corporation is an independent, diversified leasing and financial services company providing financial services company providing financing to Hitachi group companies and the commercial business sector in the United States.

2) Internet/Medical/Advertisement – In May, Packard’s work with this client resulted in the client’s acceptance of an offer to be the Director of Sales for Disaboom, headquartered in Denver, Colorado.  Disaboom is an up and coming internet based company whose mission is to create the first comprehensive, evolving source of information, insight, and personal engagement for the disability community.  As the Director of Sales of a company founded in 2006, this client has been charged with recruiting a sales force and tapped the consultant who guided him through the job seeking process for potential employees.  Packard was able to access his clientele and network in Colorado to help.  The end result was two of Packard’s and GCM-Arbora’s clients were hired by Disaboom’s new Director of Sales.  This is a prime example of how following GCM’s process, regularly communicating with your consultant, and efficient utilization of your business network can pay dividends.

3)  U.S. Federal Government – Lastly, a client whom Packard has worked with less than two months recently accepted a position as a Family Life Therapist for the US Department of Defense.  The client was made aware of the position through former colleagues and contacted the hiring director.  After providing the director with the Marketing Document prepared by Packard (which he was very impressed with) a lengthy phone interview took place.  Client emphasized her strengths and was able to implement many of the interview training tips she developed while working with Mr. Brown.  In this position the client will serve as a mental health therapist for families of soldiers deployed to war zones (Iraq, Afghanistan) and will serve on assignment in the United States and Europe.

 

Packard’s clients have seen their implementation of GCM-Arbora’s process, under his guidance, yield incredible results.  Packard Brown’s ability to succeed in individualized coaching settings as well as in large group and classroom arenas makes him an invaluable member of the GCM-Arbora team.

 

 

Jude Fontenot

Assistant to CEO

GCM-Arbora

Judith “Jo” Mayl

Jude Fontenot here reporting on another stellar consultant who has helped numerous people in their career search.  This week I will discuss clients who recently accepted new positions after having worked with Judith “Jo” Mayl.

Jo Mayl works in Global Career Management’s Greenwood Village office and sees, on average, six clients a day and communicates with numerous others in between meetings along with before and after work.  Ms. Mayl has enjoyed steady success as a career consultant at Global Career Management forgoing on three years.  Her success can be traced to over 20 years of business and leadership experience, including customer service, project management, operations, marketing, and staff development.

Over the last two months Jo Mayl has appropriated her diverse skill set to guide professionals as they accepted new positions in such industries as technology, construction, and digital media:

1)      Technology – In June Jo Mayl helped a client with a background in sales and business development land a position as a regional manager with SMART Technologies Corporation.  Based in Calgary, Alberta this client will work from home while spending time on the road covering the western United States and Hawaii!  SMART Technologies is a market-segment leader in interactive whiteboards and other group collaboration tools.  SMART produces tools that facilitate teaching and training regardless of distance.

2)      Construction – Earlier this year Ms. Mayl guided a client with extensive experience in the construction industry into a position as a Regional sales manager with Warmboard, Inc. With a background in construction design and management, but little experience in sales, Jo trained her client on how to take advantage of his robust network in the construction industry.  With regular interview training Jo’s client achieved his goal of a position with a respectable base salary with lucrative commission opportunities.  Warmboard technology is a radiant heat system and structural subfloor in one highly efficient and responsive panel; it provides homeowners the benefits of radiant heat while eliminating construction difficulties and costs related to traditional radiant installation.

3)      Digital Media – Also in June, a client whom Ms. Mayl worked with for several months accepted a position as Senior Engineer with EchoStar in Englewood, Colorado.  Having formerly held positions as a systems engineer, conducting extensive work on emergency notification systems, client was able to move from a temporary contract assignment to a permanent position with EchoStar.  EchoStar Technologies provides service to satellite, IPTV, cable, terrestrial, and consumer electronics markets worldwide by consolidating engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, and service into one  company.

Jo Mayl’s track record is highlighted by the outstanding success rate of her clients; clients who regularly transition into new industries.  The success of clients who work with Jo can often be attributed to her experience in various operational and strategic respects.  Jo continues to be a highly valued member of Global Career Management.

 

Jude Fontenot

Assistant to CEO

Global Career Management

Scott Woodard GCM-Arbora Westminster, CO

            In the second edition of Global Career Management’s weekly blog I will again highlight accomplishments of our clients.  This week I will focus on the successes of Scott Woodard and his clients.  Scott Woodard is Vice President with Global Career Management and a consultant at the Westminster office.  Scott came to Global Career Management having worked extensively providing consultative services in the private arena and for the state of Colorado.  Mr. Woodard was a Senior Policy Analyst for the Denver Regional Council of Governments and has developed strategies for the Governor of Colorado that resulted in the reorganization of many of the state’s economic initiatives.  Mr. Woodard holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and was the recipient of a German Marshall Fund Fellowship in recognition of his problem solving leadership.

            Mr. Woodard has been able to utilize his diverse professional background while helping individuals make strides in their careers.  Within the last four months Scott has guided individuals in their career development in various industries and at varying professional levels.  Examples that I will detail are in scientific research and development, finance, and non-profit management:

1)      Scientific Research and Development:  Scott’s client recently accepted a position at Covidien (formerly Tyco Healthcare) in Boulder, CO which is a $10 billion global healthcare products leader.  Covidien offers an extensive product line that spans medical devices, imaging solutions, pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.  Mr. Woodard’s client will be a Senior R&D engineer where he will be able to utilize his background in science.  Scott’s help in interview preparation and coaching were invaluable in this process.

2)      Another client in the R&D arena recently accepted a position with TDA Research in Wheat Ridge, CO as a chemist.  TDA research develops catalysts and sorbents, advanced materials and components partnering with major companies to bring products to the market.  Having been frustrated with his previous company, Scott guided this client in identifying new companies to target, helping reframe his would-be role in prospective companies, and networking with former mentors to identify new opportunities.  The client’s interview preparation and follow up with the hiring manager kept him front and center as the primary candidate for the position throughout the process.

3)      In April, Scott’s guidance resulted in his client’s acceptance of a position at Waddell & Reed in Denver as a financial advisor.  Waddell & Reed is a respected firm operating in the region for 70 years.  By providing personal, comprehensive financial planning and solid investment products Waddell & Reed’s advisors help investors work towards achieving their financial aspirations.

4)      Mr. Woodard recently helped a client achieve an incredibly rewarding job at a high level position within the American Heart Association in Aurora, CO.  Having previously worked in leadership roles in the non-profit sector, this client, with Scott’s help, reevaluated her network, which led to the American Heart Association.  After an initial offer lower than her expectations, client was advised through the negotiation process for an increase and a review after six months with the opportunity for a pay increase.  The American Heart Association is a nonprofit voluntary organization dedicated to reducing disability and death from heart disease and stroke.

 

 

 

 

 

These cases demonstrate Scott Woodard’s talents and abilities in providing sound career counseling within the proven method that Global Career Management employs.  With staff members like Mr. Woodard, Global Career Management continually demonstrates its ability to help professionals achieve their career goals.

 

 

Jude Fontenot

Assistant to CEO

Global Career Management

Career Consultant – Carole Crane

My name is Jude Fontenot, Assistant to the CEO at GCM-Arbora’s corporate headquarters in Denver, Colorado.  GCM-Arbora is a career management firm that works with professionals from various backgrounds and industries and at varying points in their career.  Clients that come to GCM-Arbora have chosen one of the finest firms of its kind, having been a prominent career consulting firm in the western United States for over 22 years.

            I am embarking on a weekly or biweekly blog to highlight accomplishments on the part of GCM-Arbora’s staff.  Our highly trained and accomplished staff has worked with thousands of clients to help them gain direction in their career (the privacy of GCM-Arbora’s clients is regarded with strict confidence so names will not be provided). This week I will be discussing the recent successes of clients who have worked with GCM-Arbora’s Fort Collins staff, particularly Carole Crane.

            Carole Crane is a Senior Vice President with GCM-Arbora and an operating career consultant at that location.   Ms. Crane has over 20 years experience providing individual career consulting, corporate outplacement, executive coaching and retirement counseling. She has worked with corporations to increase the effectiveness and productivity of executives. Her diverse background is in career management, executive coaching/mentoring, retirement counseling, marketing and general management.  Ms. Crane’s diverse background is reflected in the industries in which her clients have recently made tremendous strides.  Four examples of these industries being oil and gas, renewable products, data storage, and software development:

1)      Oil and Gas – Carole Crane’s client had spent his entire career at oil companies, trouble shooting problems in the field.  With Ms. Crane’s guidance he was able to thoroughly utilize the strong network he had in place and turned down one offer before accepting a position with Exxon Mobil in Houston, TX.  This was a homecoming of sorts for this client as he had previously worked with Exxon twelve years ago.  Exxon Mobil is the world’s largest publicly traded international oil and gas company that prides itself on its environmentally and socially responsible manner of operation

2)      Renewable Products – Ms. Crane’s client had a very active job search, interviewing with companies across the country before settling on a position with Tate & Lyle at the Decatur, IL campus.  Tate & Lyle is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of renewable food (predominantly corn and sugar cane) and industrial ingredients.

3)      Data Storage – The solid advice and resources provided to this client are what he credited for gaining a position with Co-Pan in Longmont, CO.  Founded in 2002, Co-Pan creates products that are purpose built for managing unique requirements of long term persistent data that are more reliable, secure, and accessible than traditional solutions.

4)      Software Development – After diligently working the GCM process, leading to at least ten interviews and meetings with recruiters, this client received three offers eventually choosing to go with Sun Microsystems in Broomfield, CO.  Again, networking played a large role and when negotiating a package for the first time the client was able to rely upon Carole Crane’s experience.  Sun Microsystems carries a diverse workload of software development and service and microelectronics that power everything from consumer electronics to developer tools to powerful data centers.

These are only a few examples that demonstrate how valuable Carole Crane is as a member of the GCM-Arbora team.  With Ms. Crane’s guidance these four clients accepted lucrative positions in a tough market and can count on her advice as they continue to navigate the professional landscape and progress in their career.

 

 

Jude Fontenot

Assistant to CEO

GCM-Arbora

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