*Abrakadabra JOB!*

Hi everyone!!

So as part of own career exploration, I’ve decided to actively update my LinkedIn Profile. For those of you who aren’t familiar with LinkedIn, it’s described as “an interconnected network of experienced professionals.” Basically, it’s a social networking site, like Facebook or MySpace for business professionals.

As I am only just learning about LinkedIn, I find it really cool. When you make a profile, LinkedIn allows you to upload a “virtual resume” of sorts, and automatically connects you to people you may have worked with or gone to school with. LinkedIn is a great way to connect with people you may have worked with, and would like to connect with in the future.

LinkedIn, like all social networking sites, allows you to find out more about someone you have encountered in a business situation. This may allow you to make connections in another way – if your current boss previously worked at a company you would like to work at in the future, they undoubtedly can connect you to a former coworker or friend.

LinkedIn is really fun, but like all social networking sites, you should always be cautious as to what information about yourself you post online. Be respectful, be smart, and you should be fine!

Also … connect with Wasserman on LinkedIn!

Sruti

Ever do a Google search for “what not to do on an interview” to see what comes up? Or maybe you clicked on a link on Yahoo! regarding “resume tips”, only to find the advice offered to be completely irrelevant to what you want to do?
There is certainly an abundance of information and advice available out there. People just love to talk about their own experiences and to drop nuggets of wisdom for us to heed, as if they have discovered the secret. It seems to me, though, that there is no correct way to do anything. Just as candidates differ, there are obviously different expectations in different industries and fields.

Here is an example of what came up when I searched “what not to do on an interview”. As someone who has interviewed candidates in the past, I very much agree with the advice this author provides.

http://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/2008/04/10-things-not-to-do-during-an-interview/

Call me a traitor to my generation, but I'm not so into the constantly plugged-in online lifestyle. However, social media forms are becoming more and more a part of our daily lives, including our professional endeavors.

Personally, I had to join the ranks of "tweeters" this summer for my job. While on my company's Twitter one day, I happened to see that a girl coming in for an interview at our office the next day had tweeted about it. This sparked a conversation between my colleagues and I about "tw-etiquette" and jobs: how much is too much concerning tweeting, blogging, etc. about your job?

While jobs looking for social media-savvy interns is usually a bonus for us college students (since we typically already use/are quick to learn these skills and therefore desirable to hire), mixing social media with work can also be a career killer.

Look no further than reality star Kelly Cutron, who is famous for her no-mercy style of ruling her fashion PR office with an iron fist. An intern from NYU blogged about working for her--despite having signed a confidentiality agreement. Besides being fired, the intern received a few--ahem-- "choice" words from Miss Cutrone before being sent on her way. (Check out this article for more cases similar to this: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29796962/)

While most are familiar with how dangerous it is to post inappropriate content on Facebook (inappropriate meaning anything you would not want your boss, college applications office, or parents to see), I just wanted to post this reminder as we all start applying for this semester's jobs and internships to be careful about those blogs and tweets!

I can't wait to keep blogging for Abrakadabra and I look forward to being your Peer in Career this semester!

Call me a traitor to my generation, but I'm not so into the constantly plugged-in online lifestyle. However, social media forms are becoming more and more a part of our daily lives, including our professional endeavors.

Personally, I had to join the ranks of "tweeters" this summer for my job. While on my company's Twitter one day, I happened to see that a girl coming in for an interview at our office the next day had tweeted about it. This sparked a conversation between my colleagues and I about "tw-etiquette" and jobs: how much is too much concerning tweeting, blogging, etc. about your job?

While jobs looking for social media-savvy interns is usually a bonus for us college students (since we typically already use/are quick to learn these skills and therefore desirable to hire), mixing social media with work can also be a career killer.

Look no further than reality star Kelly Cutron, who is famous for her no-mercy style of ruling her fashion PR office with an iron fist. An intern from NYU blogged about working for her--despite having signed a confidentiality agreement. Besides being fired, the intern received a few--ahem-- "choice" words from Miss Cutrone before being sent on her way. (Check out this article for more cases similar to this: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29796962/)

While most are familiar with how dangerous it is to post inappropriate content on Facebook (inappropriate meaning anything you would not want your boss, college applications office, or parents to see), I just wanted to post this reminder as we all start applying for this semester's jobs and internships to be careful about those blogs and tweets!

I can't wait to keep blogging for Abrakadabra and I look forward to being your Peer in Career this semester!

The Wasserman Center website offers dozens of tools and helpful advice for any stage in career development. I feel that most of these great tools go unnoticed by students and I want to make an effort to point some of them out.

First, everyone should check out the students tab at http://www.nyu.edu/careerdevelopment/. The section has many useful articles on resumes, networking, cover letters, on campus recruiting, and seminars.

Next Up: CareerNet
CareerNet has dozens of useful tools and I just want to point out a few of my favorites. All Careernet users have access to Vault Career Insider which has countless resume guides, career information, and company descriptions. Anyone looking to prepare for interview questions should definitely head on over to go through some Vault guides. These guides will prepare you well for what kind of questions to expect.

Another useful tool is InterviewStream. This tool allows you to record yourself answering interview questions using your computers webcam. Your answers can be saved so you can review them with a Counselour at your next appointment.

For those looking for an jobs while abroad, check out GoingGlobal for international job postings.

And finally, the simple little tab on CareerNet, the events tab...
The events tab lists all the upcoming career fairs, information sessions, and seminars available to attend. Make sure to check in once a while so you don't miss out on any events!

These are only a few of some of the great features of the Wassermen website. Make to head to http://www.nyu.edu/careerdevelopment/ yourself and check it out!

…is a thought you may have had multiple Monday mornings, while flipping through this weekend’s fresh collection of Facebook photos. With your whole family (parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, even grandparents!), employers, colleagues, professors, and just about everyone else you can think of on Facebook, there is definitely anxiety over just how private your page actually is. After all, we’ve all heard the horror stories of social media destroying careers (haven’t heard them yet? Check out this post!). Still, the idea of stripping your Facebook profile and losing all of your goofy pictures and posts with friends can seem pretty extreme and kind of depressing.

That’s why I’m in love with ReclaimYourPrivacy.org, a site that scans your Facebook and lets you know how private your page really is and how you can improve your privacy settings. This is an amazing resource for those who are applying to jobs or just wanting to check on their settings, as it is super quick and literally only requires you to click a button. Using this scan, I was able to (luckily) see that I have created a page that is not accessible to the general public, which is a huge relief. Job-hunting and parents-joining reasons aside, I think it’s a good idea to understand the privacy policies of Facebook and make sure that you understand how much information about yourself is out there to be seen by whoever happens to search your name.

Another quick tip? As strange and conceited as it may sound, Google yourself! This is the best way to see what information is out there about you for all to see. Besides showing you where you may want to tighten up your privacy, it may also end up entertaining (I found a local newspaper article with a hilarious old picture)! Of course, you generally shouldn't be posting things that may incriminate you, but if you do want to do an occasional goofy post with your friends, it is different worth checking out your privacy settings to ensure that your private joke remains private!