Insightful Job Seeker Quick Tip: Email Addresses

Today’s Job Seeker Tip: E-mail addresses

Over the course of my career I have been absolutely SHOCKED by the email addresses people use during their job search.

It is NOT appropriate to have an email address such as.......

sxykitten
sexychic
video_game_aholic
hotguy74

.....listed on your resume/application.

Not the way to make a great first impression.

Yahoo, hotmail and gmail accounts FREE and take less than fifteen minutes to set up. Set one up using your name or name and profession..........

LisaSmith@
EngineerBob@
Mary.Smith@

You want the person screening resumes/applications to say “Hey! Look at this one” because of the content -- not because they are laughing and wondering WHAT you were thinking!

May all your Endeavors be Insightful,

Nora A Burns, SPHR



Nora A Burns, SPHR is Founder and President of Insightful Endeavors International, Inc. Over her twenty year career in human resources and organizational development she has interviewed and hired thousands of individuals across a variety of industries.

FISH!® Principles in Everyday Life!

Imagine you are sitting on a plane..... you have the aisle seat and the person sitting in the window seat has taken his place. The plane is filling with travelers ..... the flight attendant’s voice fills the aircraft announcing the flight will be full. As passengers load you continue to check for eye contact with those approaching your aisle........which one will request to get past you to that middle seat...... The flow of passengers is slowing...... The attendant is looking down the jet-bridge.......

The man sitting in the window seat looks over.....having read your mind he knows you’re hoping for the extra space afforded travelers with an empty seat next to them.....he says “won’t happen.....I am the unluckiest guy on the planet”. You pause....then reply “well, I lead a particularly charmed life so I’d say together we’re still luckier than not....there is hope!”

He is not to be convinced.

Then, that fabulous sound........you hear the door latch. YES! You smile. He shrugs and comments that he’ll need to buy a lotto ticket when we land.

Fast forward fifteen minutes. We’re still on the tarmac.....the pilot’s voice fills the aircraft announcing we are in line for de-icing and it will be another five to ten minutes.

“See?!?” says the man by the window ..... “Told you I’m unlucky.”

“How so?”

The man looks dumbfounded “We’re just sitting here!”

“But we’re lucky they are de-icing the plane”

He looks more dumfounded than before.

“Well, if the crew skipped de-icing just to get out on time we’d likely crash.....we’re lucky to have a trained crew who puts out safety first!”

He smiles ....... he laughs.....and he has an “ah-ha” moment. Life truly IS what we make it. “I’ve never thought of it that way before --- I’m going to start putting things into that perspective”. Another smile. And in the moment he was Choosing His Attitude....one of the key principles of FISH!

What attitude have YOU chosen today?



May all your Endeavors be Insightful,

Nora A Burns, SPHR


Nora A Burns, SPHR is Founder and Head Marlin of Insightful Endeavors International, Inc. She is a road-warrior, working with companies and associations across the globe to build sustainable, innovative teams that drive bottom-line results. When not traveling to work with clients on building sustainable, innovative teams, Nora lives in Denver, CO.

From the Home Office in Denver, CO....the TOP TEN LIST!

Top 10 Reasons to Attend the CHRA Annual Conference “RECRUIT, RETAIN, REWARD: The Three Rs of Strategic HR Leadership” in Denver on January 23, 2009:

10. You deserve a day away from office politics—and you’ll earn PHR/SPHR credit to boot!
Dealing with employee issues day in, day out…you need some professional development “Me Time”! If you’re working on your certification or recertification efforts, you’ll also have the opportunity for 5.5 hours of valuable content towards your requirements. (Plus, you’ve always wanted to see INVESCO Field in the light of day without all those football players running around.)

9. It’s your chance to pick up the latest exhibitor “loot”!
This year’s conference includes an Exhibit Hall with exceptional service providers --- from legal services and educational institutions to top-notch HR consultants and ancillary benefits experts. The Tattered Cover will also be on hand so you can pick up the latest must-read books and resources. Come network with the people whose job it is to make your job easier!

8. An ENFP told you it would be FABULOUS to learn about the use of psychometric tools in the hiring process.
Ever feel like recruiting is like a revolving door and having trouble finding candidates who “stick”??? Nora Burns, SPHR (yup, that's me) will review the use of personality profiles as a consideration in the hiring process. Learn if and when to use personality profiles in your talent acquisition process for improved results.

7. Disney Institute will be there! Disney!!
In the morning keynote session Scott Milligan, SPHR will share proven, valuable insights on “Recruiting & Retaining Employees, Disney Style” that you can put to work in your own organization. This is your chance to learn proven Disney business philosophies developed by Walt Disney himself that have benefited over half of the Fortune 100 companies. Get ready to be inspired, motivated and entertained!


6. Everyone likes to hear two words: free food.
Your registration for the day includes breakfast, lunch and the famous CHRA afternoon dessert bar. This year’s dessert lineup includes Epicurean’s delicious “silver spoon bites” with strawberry shortcake, bananas foster, raspberry fudge brownies, white chocolate truffle cake, and more. Don’t miss your afternoon sugar rush!

5. You've always wanted to know how to say ANYTHING to ANYONE.
Ever have a hard time coming up with the right words to say to an employee and drive the messages you intended? Shari Harley, MA will share the secrets for having those candid conversations that will lead to increased engagement, employee satisfaction and retention of your talent.

4. Tight budgets have you scrambling for creative, inexpensive employee recognition solutions.
Slashed budget holding you back from saying “thank you” and recognizing employee efforts? Tara Powers, MS will give you a variety of effective recognition techniques that can be implemented immediately without breaking the bank.

3. You’re pretty sure you’re supposed to know what EEO, AAP, ADA, FLSA, EFCA all mean—and what the latest legal developments are on each of them.
Laura Hazen, Esq, and Denise Kay, Esq, SPHR will walk you through the “Alphabet Soup” on the path to developing sound, strategic HR policies in a legal minefield. In a separate session we’ll also address the hot trend towards corporate social responsibility and the legal, ethical, and political issues affecting HR strategy.

2. You’ll get a FREE copy of Dr. Bob Nelson’s “1001 Rewards & Recognition Field Book”.
Best-selling author and internationally-recognized “Guru of Thank You” Dr. Bob Nelson will be giving the afternoon keynote address on “Creating a Culture of Recognition & Rewards” so you’ll hear the latest trends on this critical topic. In addition, you’ll walk away with your very own copy of the Field Book for future reference.

and the NUMBER ONE reason to attend the 2009 CHRA Conference…..

1. NETWORKING…..it’s not just for jobseekers anymore.
Well, it never has been…but that doesn’t roll off the tongue quite as nicely. There will be several hundred HR folks in attendance at the event from around Colorado as well as area experts in recruitment, retention and rewards. Networking with other HR practitioners at this one-a-year event will be well worth the time aside from the great sessions, speakers, and attendees.


Every aspect of the 2009 conference has been designed to give you practical information you can put to work to help your organization succeed in these challenging economic times. Don’t get left behind—register today!!


Visit www.CHRA.org for more details and to register.



See you at the Conference in January!!!


Wishing you the very best with ALL your endeavors,

Nora A Burns, SPHR
www.insightfulendeavors.com

Twitter Tag!

ChrisRussell tagged me (via Twitter)....... to share seven random/weird facts about me.

It's an interesting concept, to tell virtual strangers...who are "virtual friends"....about yourself in a Twitter-Tell-All kind of way...but I'm almost always game for a game so here goes.

You should know the rules I have been instructed to follow (note, I have have not ACTUALLY committed to following them....).......

• Link your original tagger(s) (in my case....ChrisRussell who you can also find on Twitter)
  
• List these rules on your blog. (check!)
  
• Share seven facts about yourself in the post - some random, some weird.
  

1. This fall I traveled to Macedonia with Habitat for Humanity
2. My dream vacation is an African Safari including a hot air balloon ride over Serengeti during the migration.
3. My dreams are sometimes rather specific.
4. I love my job.
   
5. I am the youngest of nine...yes, nine and yes, all from the same two parents.
6. Working my way through college included a stint as a 3rd shift press operator for the local shopping news (who could make that up??)
   
7. I share my life with two insanely cute dogs (see photo for proof!)
   

• Tag seven people at the end of your post by leaving their names and the links to their blogs. (see below -- would have listed them here but the rules DO say to put them at the end of the post!)
  
• Let them know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blogs and/or twitter. (check!)
  

Here are the bloggers I'm tagging...

Liz Ryan
Gina Schreck
Brad Montgomery
Sandy Durmont
Jennifer Murray - The Nimble Assistant
Steve Spangler
Gina LaGuardia

My Name Is Nora.....and I'm a Twitter Addict

It's official.  While I am late on the scene, having joined the Twitter craze less than 48 hours ago, I am already hooked.  

No, I'm not addicted to knowing who is going to the grocery store, the coffee shop and the bathroom (Seriously people --- note item #4 below).  I'm addicted to the knowledge sharing.  

A curious person by nature, I'm finding Twitter to be the equivalent of a 7-shot espresso.  This morning, compliments of Twitter-ers (ites, ies?), I learned:

• Emotional Intelligence DOES affect SAT scores!
  
• You can find the blogs of many big companies all in one place.
  
• Blogging moms rule the world (simply search Mom and Motrin to see what I mean!)
  
• Obama will likely have to give up his Blackberry when he takes office! (I can't even fathom doing this)
  

....and so much more. 

People have information -- and they want to share it.  Twitter provides another opportunity for us to do just that --- in REAL TIME. 

Quick tips from one Twitter Rookie to another:

1. Content vs Fluff Solution : It's all about who you choose to follow.  Find interesting people and follow them -- and look at who THEY are following since interesting people tent to follow interesting people. 
2. If you use Mac....set up TwitterDeck to organize your twittering. 
3. iPhone users visit the App Store and find "Twitterrific".
4. Assume your boss, clients, professors, friends, family, etc will find you on Twitter.
   

Follow me on Twitter.......I promise not to tell you when I am on my way to the bathroom...well, except maybe on April Fools Day. 

Wishing you the best in all your endeavors, 

Nora A Burns, SPHR

www.insightfulendeavors.com

Nora A Burns, SPHR is founder of Insightful Endeavors International (IEI), Inc.  A native of Wisconsin with 20 years experiences in Learning & Organizational Development, Nora currently resides in Denver, CO with her insanely cute Labradoodle Bella and Bella's sidekick Baxter.  

IEI specializes in building innovative, sustainable teams to drive bottom-line results.  We pride ourselves on being a top-tier resource for leadership development, team development and assisting organizations in finding innovative solutions.  

Remarkable People

Last month I had the distinct honor of meeting Desmond Tutu. The evening was remarkable in itself and made all that more special by the fact that I shared it with my mom (standing between Demond Tutu and I in the photo).

I wish you could have been there…..we were at the VIP reception after the Archbishop’s talk…..the room was filled with excited chatter, the clinking of glasses and the laugher of friends. Reverend Tutu was mingling with guests. I had spoken with him earlier in the evening before his talk and now I had the absolute delight of introducing him to my mom. Upon completing the introduction I stepped back and drank in the moment. My mom (from rural Wisconsin) was shaking hands and chatting with Nobel Peace Prize Recipient Desmond Tutu from South Africa. A moment which will live forever in my memory ---- as I type this I can almost hear their respective laughs milling together. I wish you could have heard it …….

The paths of remarkable people cross each day --- in this case it was my mom and Desmond Tutu. Both people I admire --- with more differences than similarities --- and both remarkable in their own way.

The world is filled with remarkable people……some, like Desmond Tutu, have Nobel Peace Prizes….many more, like my mom, do not. Are you appreciating the remarkable people in your life?

More on the messages Desmond Tutu shared in future posts. I’m confident I will be sharing stories of the evening in workshops and keynotes for many years to come!

Wishing you the very best with all your endeavors,

Nora A Burns


Nora A. Burns, SPHR is Founder and President of Insightful Endeavors International, (IEI), Inc. A native of Wisconsin with 20 years experience in Learning & Organizational Development, Nora currently resides in Denver, CO with her insanely cute Labradoodle Bella and Bella's sidekick Baxter.

IEI specializes in building innovative, sustainable teams to drive bottom-line results.



Photo Note: Left to right.... Me - Nora Burns, My Mom - Ruth Burns, Desmond Tutu, My Friend - Penny Paster