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Is Social Media the New Resume?

November 1, 2011

Is social media the new resume? Chris Hutchins thinks so.

On Friday, May 1, 2009 I caught up with the Laid Off Camp founder at Blankspaces and invited him to expand on a statement he made a few months earlier in an interview with Leo Laporte on TWiT.TV (along with Brian Shaler): “social media is the new resume.”

I asked Chris the following questions, which he answered in the video below:

Why is social media the “new resume?”
Does social media help represent a candidate in a more three dimensionally way? Can it give employers a fuller sense of who a candidate really is?
Have you had an experience with a recruiter using 1.0 tools who could not adapt to the 2.0 landscape?
Have you had any experiences with a firm that made an effort to understand you as a person, but were still ineffective?
Are there certain industries for which social media is naturally a better fit?
Is there greater risk or reward with using social media to reveal the “real you?” What is the role of an employer in that risk or reward?
What is your long-term vision for Laid Off Camp?
How can employers participate in and benefit from Laid Off Camp?

Chris was gracious enough to spend some time with me and very candidly addressed each of my inquiries:

With the passage of time, Chris is now working for Milk – a mobile application development company based in San Francisco, CA — although Laid Off Camp remains a proud part of his professional past.

Speaking of the passage of time, since this interview was originally recorded, social media has continued to evolve as an exceptionally viable means by which individuals can market themselves and secure full-time employment and/or contract work — in social media or other industries.

Notably, according to a recent LA Times article, a growing number of employers are hiring people to mange their social media presence. If you are curious to learn how businesses are using social media to recruit candidates, you might find this infographic from Mashable of interest.

One particularly active resource for social media positions is the crowdsourced Social Media Jobs Group on Facebook. Another resource includes the Social Media Jobs account on Twitter.

Mashable also offers helpful advice about how to get a job using Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Google+. If you’re not sure where to start, this Mashable article will teach you how to create an online resume with a website, videos, documents, and LinkedIn.

One recent humorous take on using social media to find a job involved Matthew Epstein donning a fake moustache in a creative and compelling effort to land a job at Google. Although his initial goal was not realized, his campaign garnered significant attention and helped get him hired as a product marketing manager at Sigfig, a web-based investment and financial management service.

Ironically, some criminals are also finding “jobs” using social media, so please be careful what you share online!

Personally, I have been actively using social media since roughly November 2008 (I actually created my Facebook account a year earlier, but didn’t begin using it immediately). Since that time the various social media tools and platforms — including Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn — with which I have experimented have helped me find several adjunct teaching opportunities.

I also launched a personal website with which I have consolidated my social media profiles while also offering a centralized resource through which I communicate who I am and the value I can add to any organization. Additionally, this blog also provides a platform with which I can share knowledge while also promoting my skills to potential employers.

Without question, social media has been a tremendous career enhancing tool!

In one such example, I was hired to teach marketing courses at UCLA Extension almost entirely because of a referral from Beverly Macy. Beverly is the CEO of Gravity Summit, a professional speaker and co-author of the book “The Power of Real-Time Marketing” (affiliate link). She also teaches a social media marketing class for UCLA Extension.

I first came to know Beverly on Twitter (in late 2008 or very early in 2009), just prior to the first Gravity Summit conference at UCLA in February 2009 (which I attended). Beverly and I later connected via Facebook in August 2009 and, in July 2010, she referred my resume to her contacts at UCLA.

After several months of administration and preparation I finally began teaching online the first of two courses with which I am now entrusted: MGMNT X 460.394, New Media Marketing (Online). In the fall semester I added MGMNT X 460.300, Consumer Behavior (on campus), to my repertoire. I anticipate continuing to teach these two courses for the foreseeable future and am very grateful for the privilege to do so.

Suffice it to say that, were it not for Twitter, I would have never come to know Beverly, and had I not come to know Beverly, I would have never had a chance to teach these classes. I am forever grateful to Beverly, Twitter, and social media in general!

In what ways has social media played a part in your own career development and/or job search?

Posted in Miscellaneous | Tagged #SMMUCLA, 2009, @brianshaler, @hutchins, @leolaporte, Adjunct, apps, Beverly Macy, Blankspaces, Branch Out, Brian Shaler, Business, careers, Chris Hutchins, co-working, crowdsource, crowdsourcing, Doctorious, employment, Facebook, Google, Gravity Summit, infographic, Internet, interview, jobs, LA Times, Laid Off Camp, Leo Laporte, LinkedIn, los angeles, Mashable, matthew a. gilbert, Matthew Epstein, Milk, Mobile App, recruiting, San Francisco, Santa Monica Blvd, SigFig, Social Media, Social Media Jobs Group, teaching, Teaching Social Media Marketing At UCLA Extension, Technology, The Power of Real-Time Marketing, TWit.TV, Twitter, UCLA Extension, video, virtual office, YouTube | 3 Comments »

The End of a Beginning: Space Shuttle Atlantis Lands, Grounding My Generation’s Inspiration

July 23, 2011

“Having fired the imagination of a generation, a ship like no other, it’s place in history secured, the Space Shuttle pulls into port for the last time, it’s voyage at an end.” – Rob Navias, NASA Announcer

Signaling the end of what was once a new beginning in the United States’ foray into human space flight, the Space Shuttle Atlantis (OV-104) touched down at 5:57 a.m. on Thursday, July 21, 2011 at the Kennedy Space Center following the successful completion of Mission STS-135.

The mission, which began on Friday, July 8, 2011, delivered supplies to the International Space Station, lasted a total of 12 days, 18 hours, 28 minutes, 50 seconds.

On board was a crew of four: Chris Ferguson, commander; Doug Hurley, pilot; Rex Walheim, mission specialist; Sandy Magnus, mission specialist.

This was the final mission of the Space Shuttle Era which began on April 12, 1981 with the maiden voyage of Space Shuttle Columbia. Historically speaking, the final Shuttle mission coincided with another historical milestone: the 42nd anniversary of the July 20, 1969 Apollo 11 lunar landing.

Early Thursday morning I watched the final moments of this incredible 30-year adventure unfold live online via NASA’s live video feed and other robust online resources.

I have always been enthralled with aviation — my grandfather flew a C-47 in World War II and my Dad has privately flown various aircraft, including a Cessna 310 – but space travel captured a special place in my heart.

For me, the Space Shuttle was especially significant. The program began when I was in first grade and during my formative years served as an enduring symbol of education and exploration.

The adventurous essence of the Shuttle program captivated my imagination and symbolized “intelligence in action.” It also exemplified the ideals of teamwork and achievement over seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

In the days before the Internet I excitedly watched televised Shuttle launches with my Dad — with whom I also looked to the night sky on several occasions to watch it streak above us like a shooting star. These were special moments I shared with my Dad, moments that impressed upon me positive memories and feelings.

Years later, I shared a similar moment with my Dad and my sons — Jacob (7) and Max (5) — when we watched “Hubble 3D” in IMAX at the California Science Center. When the movie featured a Shuttle launch sequence my younger son, Max, turned to me with awe and fascination in his eyes. Later in the film, my older son, Jacob, stared excitedly at the screen and asked me how many stars there were in space!

I felt especially connected to the Space Shuttle when, in 1990, Leroy Chiao, Ph.D., who grew up in the same town as did I – Danville, California – was selected as a NASA Astronaut.

He also earned a Master of Science and then a Doctor of Philosophy in chemical engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara – the school that would later become my undergraduate alma mater.

When Dr. Chiao was selected, I was the editor of my high school newspaper, The San Ramon Valley High School “Wolf Print.” I was invited to meet with Dr. Chiao along with other nearby high school newspaper editors and reporters at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where he was working at the time.

He spoke about the Shuttle program and what he anticipated would be his role. Notably, Dr. Chiao flew as a mission specialist on STS-65 (1994), STS-72 (1996), and STS-92 (2000). Dr. Chiao had logged more than 36 days, 12.5 hours in space, including more than 26 EVA hours in four space walks. He was also the Commander of Expedition 10 on the International Space Station (2004-2005). Dr. Chiao left NASA in December 2005.

In April 2003, I attended my first academic conference — the International Academy of Business Disciplines (IABD) — in Orlando, Florida. I leveraged my proximity to the Kennedy Space Center and, driving the Ford Mustang I had rented, traveled from Orlando to the historic spaceport.

While I arrived too late to take a tour of the facility, I explored what I was able to by myself. I also watched an IMAX movie from 1985 I had seen many years before at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum called “The Dream is Alive.”

I also bought some items for my sons, including an orange Astronaut jumpsuit both of my sons enthusiastically wore for a Halloween. Although my visit was brief, being in that historic place was a powerful experience for me.

More recently, I was captivated when, on November 30, 2008, Space Shuttle Endeavour was diverted to the backup landing option at Edwards Air Force Base due to inclement weather in Florida on its return voyage from mission STS-126. I was fortunate to have been able to record the double sonic booms as it passed over Santa Clarita and wrote a blog post featuring an MP3 file of the distinctive sound.

Despite the many incomparable moments of inspiration, however, there were also times of great heartache.

On the morning of January 28, 1986 I was prepared to give a speech about Christa McAuliffe to my sixth grade class when we learned about Space Shuttle Challenger exploding during launch. I changed my speech to one that explained the circumstances behind the Shuttle’s unfortunate demise.
On February 1, 2003 — on the day I was planning to tell my family about the impending arrival of my older son, Jacob — I again found myself with a heavy heart when Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated upon it’s return to earth after a mission.

Despite these tragic times, the Space Shuttle will always be my generation’s inspiration — our Apollo program, our crowning achievement, our wildest dreams realized. The image of that magnificent machine launching like a rocket, orbiting Earth, and then returning as a powerless glider, will forever inspire and excite me.

It saddens me that the Shuttle was discontinued without a replacement ready to go. Now, for the first time in 50 years, the United States will have no launch vehicle. Until a new one can be built, American astronauts will be ferried to the International Space Station aboard Russian Soyuz spacecraft. Commercial space vehicles will also begin operation in the near future.

NASA is planning to build a Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle for deep space exploration which is based on the Orion capsule, which was initially developed for cancelled moon-bound trips under the Constellation program. However, the chances of this coming to fruition in less than five years seems slim.

Until NASA initiates a new program, I will celebrate the fact that Space Shuttle Endeavour will soon be on permanent display at the California Science Center. I am thankful to NASA for 30 years of awe-inspiring adventure and exploration. And, lastly, I will forever remain inspired by the many Astronauts — from the Space Shuttle and prior vehicles — who ”slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God.”

Posted in Miscellaneous | Tagged 1981, 1986, 2008, 2011, 5:57 a.m., Apollo 11, April 12, Astronaut, California, California Science Center, chemical engineering, Chris Ferguson, Constellation, Danville, DC, Doctor of Philosophy, Doug Hurley, Edwards Air Force Base, Expedition 10, florida, Ford Mustang, Hubble 3D, Human Space Flight, iMAX, International Academy of Business Disciplines (IABD), international space station, January 28, July 21, Kennedy Space Center, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Leroy Chiao, Master of Science, NASA, November 30, Orion capsule, orlando, Rex Walheim, Rob Navias, Russian Soyuz Spacecraft, San Ramon Valley High School, Sandy Magnus, Santa Barbara, Smithosonian, Soyouz, space shuttle, Space Shuttle Atlantis, Space Shuttle Challenger, Space Shuttle Columbia, Space Shuttle Endeavour, Space Shuttle Era, STS-126, STS-135, STS-65, STS-72, STS-92, Thursday, UCSB, University of California, Washington, Wolf Print | Leave a Comment »

Social Media Math: Google + Me = ?

July 9, 2011

On the same day the Space Shuttle launched into its last orbit, I was invited to launch into my first orbit as a first generation member of Google+ by my friend, Detroit-based photographer Hillary Fox. You can view my profile and, if you are currently a Google+ member, add me to one of your “circles.”

If you would like an invitation to join, please contact me with your e-mail and, once there are more spots available, I will send you one. When I first signed up yesterday morning there were invitations to be had, but 12 hours later, when I endeavored to invite a friend, the option was no longer there.

It appears the system is once again closed to new users to prevent overwhelming the servers. Of course, the secondary benefit mirrors the most basic tenet of economics: scarcity drives demand.

Clearly, there is significant interest in this latest social media initiative from Google. With some of their more recent efforts — Wave and Buzz — seeming to have disappeared before the end of their first act, it will be interesting to see what happens with Google+.

I have taken Google+ for a few short test drives so far, but nothing too in depth. At the moment Google+ strikes me as very similar in almost every functional way to Facebook, though with the trademark Google simplicity of design and interface. I like the threaded discussions (as in Facebook) but for some reason it seems more free and open like Twitter.

Some specific thoughts:

Sparks: I signed up for a half-dozen “Sparks” (news feeds about topics in which I am interested).
Circles: I have also explored some of the posts of people in my “Circles” (groups of people I can define and to whom I can share content differently — like Facebook’s Lists).
Hangout: I haven’t yet chosen to “hangout” with anyone (group video chatting allowing up to 10 users at once).
Huddle: I also have not yet “huddled” (a group messaging function that lets users share information with certain “Circles”).

One additional improvement I discovered is that you can edit an update once it has been added — something you can only do in Facebook immediately after you post it. I can’t say that I see it as a “Facebook killer” yet but it is far too early to pass judgment. It definitely has potential to make a difference.

For some reason, despite its prowess elsewhere online, Google has struggled with creating a widely used social media platform. I wish them well in this endeavor. Generally speaking I am an admirer — and user — of many of Google’s services (it’s hard not to be given their extensive involvement in everything Internet).

In March I began using an Android-powered phone and to say I am overwhelmingly impressed would be an understatement. Previously I used a BlackBerry and while it was good, it was not great. Android’s functionality and features quite simply blow me away.

In May I began using Gmail more heavily after a new laptop failed and I needed a temporary solution to remain in communication with the outside world while I limped along with my old laptop. Once I began using Gmail to send and receive e-mail from my POP account, I suddenly realized the efficiency and effectiveness of the service.

Notably, I really appreciate the immediate integration of my calendar and contacts between my phone and my Gmail account online. This was always an arduous task with my BlackBerry and one of my chief frustrations (in addition to my Curve 8330 being vastly under-powered and unable to run more than two applications at once).

I have also discovered the ease with which I can save documents online and forego the need for a USB drive (for most cases). There are numerous other features offered by Google but those are just a few that I actively use.

One thing I do like about Google+ is that it integrates with all of these existing tools that I already use. Again, the idea of efficiency, immediacy and interactivity offered by Google+ with other Google products. Overall, I am unsure what will come of Google+ and what to expect from it. I am also unsure in what way, if at all, it will change my social media practices and priorities.

As it is, I am using social media more selectively and strategicially, though I still find incredible value in my Twitter accounts (I use @MatthewAGilbert and @doctorious the most regularly) and Facebook; both allow me to learn and share knowledge while making professional and personal connections that have enriched my life.

I also continue to teach several courses that directly or indirectly deal with social media and it’s impact on industries and individuals. Social media continues to evolve into an undeniable cultural and commercial force and my being able to teach it is a great way to continue learning about it.

Looking forward, I am intrigued and excited to find out what will become of Google+. For more information about it, you might want to explore this CrunchBase profile for Google+ — I found it useful.

The video below also offers a general overview of the service: