Tech Currents: Conversations on Tech and Work

Tech Currents and Amy Miller, the Sequel!

Tech Currents podcast is hosted by Sam Cavaliere and co-hosted by Ron Melanson. It features real talk about technology and stories from working in the tech world. A frequent guest and "friend of the program" is Amy Miller and she joins the hosts in this weeks discussion focusing on more job seeking advice.
 
The episode specifically delves into "LinkedIn Lunacy," discussing various contentious topics seen on the platform, such as the "open to work" banner, debates on resume formatting, and unusual interview expectations.  A significant focus is placed on fake profiles and scams on LinkedIn, including the theft of personal personas and predatory practices offering paid services like resume optimization.
 
The conversation also explores the increasing use of AI in recruiting, raising concerns about the ethical implications of uploading candidates' Personally Identifiable Information (PII) into public AI tools like ChatGPT. They discuss resume scoring tools and question their validity and motives, viewing them as part of an "influencer economy" where individuals profit by targeting vulnerable job seekers. The hosts and guest emphasize sharing free, practical advice from the perspective of active recruiters to help job seekers navigate the challenges ethically
 
Worth noting, in this episode Sam references a video from Brene Brown regarding the psychology of blame.  The video is 3:25 and can be found at https://youtu.be/RZWf2_2L2v8?si=4JhA3HJm3V1_wsr0 . Its highly recommended.
#Careers #technology #jobseeking #LinkedInLunacy

LinkedIn Lunacy

The Tech Currents podcast features hosts Sam Cavaliere and Ron Melanson discussing current topics in the technology world, including personal experiences and advice. In this particular episode, they address recent "LinkedIn lunacy," highlighting fake profiles, job scams, and misleading career advice found on the platform. They offer insights on navigating these issues and share perspectives on job searching, such as the value of the "open to work" banner and the format of resumes. The hosts also touch upon the debate surrounding AI training on copyrighted material. Finally, they examine the importance of being mindful during job interviews, particularly regarding seemingly casual small talk questions that can reveal unintended information.
#careers #Jobseeking #opentowork #interviews 
 
 
 

S1E7 Freeform and the LinkedIn Profile Makeover

The podcast episode "S1_E7_Freeforming_and_the_LinkedIn_Profile_Makeover_show.mp3" from the Tech Currents podcast features a free-flowing conversation between the hosts Sam Cavaliere and his co-host Ron Melanson. They deviate from their planned agenda to discuss current issues related to job seeking strategies and LinkedIn profile optimization in what they describe as the "worst job market any of us have ever seen," referencing recent significant layoffs.
Key topics discussed in the episode include:
The chaotic and potentially predatory nature of LinkedIn in the current job market, with warnings against scams offering expensive but potentially worthless services like LinkedIn profile makeovers or certifications. They advise listeners to be cautious of unsolicited offers and to explore free resources and seek feedback from their network. Sam Cavaliere even offers to personally review listeners' profiles.
Strategies for optimizing a LinkedIn profile to attract recruiters and hiring managers. This includes advice on:
Having a professional photo taken even with a smartphone, emphasizing neatness and business attire.
Crafting a compelling headline that describes what you do and how you add value, going beyond just a job title.
Writing a concise yet interesting summary or "about" section that tells your story and highlights your strengths without underselling yourself. Ron Melanson mentions that the character limit for this section is around 2600.
Detailing experience and achievements using a bullet-point format with a focus on tangible, measurable results and the impact or outcomes of your work, rather than just listing responsibilities. They stress the importance of showing the impact of your work to stand out.
Leveraging the skills section and the recent increase to up to 100 skills to enhance boolean searchability for recruiters. They discuss how recruiters actively search for candidates based on skills.
A discussion on the limited value they place on endorsements and recommendations for hiring managers.
The importance of active engagement on LinkedIn beyond simply liking posts, including sharing opinions, taking positions, and creating content to build a presence and get noticed. They emphasize that authentic engagement can lead to unexpected opportunities, as Sam Cavaliere experienced when his article led to an interview.
Advice on maintaining professionalism on LinkedIn while acknowledging the frustrations of job searching. They caution against excessive negativity and suggest alternative platforms for venting.
The impact of being "rusty" in interviews after a long period without job searching and the importance of practice. Ron Melanson shares an anecdote about mentoring someone who improved with interview practice.
The necessity of using industry-standard job titles on LinkedIn profiles to ensure they are easily understood and searchable by recruiters. They advise against using unusual or non-standard titles.
General encouragement for job seekers to leverage available resources, be wary of guaranteed results from paid services, and focus on the impact of their work. They suggest shopping around for resume and LinkedIn help if needed.
Reassurance that being laid off is generally not a reflection of personal performance in the current economic climate. They criticize the characterization of laid-off employees as "low performers".
The hosts offer practical, experience-based advice and encourage listeners to reach out with questions and feedback via LinkedIn or email. They also mention upcoming episodes that will delve deeper into networking and feature a return conversation with Amy Miller. The overall tone is supportive and aims to help job seekers navigate the challenges of the current job market. 
 
Additional Show Notes:
People to Follow on LinkedIn:
Lisa Dupras - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dupraselev8coaching
Ed Herzog -https://www.linkedin.com/in/edherzog-resume-writer?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Amy Miller -linkedin.com/in/amymil
Ron Melanson -linkedin.com/in/ronaldmelanson

Busting Job Search Myths with Amy Miller

In this episode of Tech Currents, hosts Sam Cavaliere and Ron Melanson are joined by Amy Miller, a top influencer in talent acquisition and recruiting, creator of the recruiting in yoga pants blog. Amy brings her 26 years of experience in the field to discuss common job search myths and offer real-world advice for job seekers. This episode focuses on busting myths about Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), providing advice about LinkedIn's open to work banner, the use of PDF versus Word resumes, the importance of cover letters, and addressing career gaps. Amy's real-world perspective and practical insights make this a must-listen for anyone navigating the job market.
 
#technology #personaldevelopment #personalbranding 
 
Episode Notes
Host: Sam Cavaliere
Co-Host: Ron Melanson
Guest: Amy Miller, a recruiting and talent acquisition influencer. https://recruitinginyogapants.com
 
Key Topics:
Debunking myths about Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
The use of LinkedIn's "Open to Work" banner.
The debate over using PDF versus Word formats for resumes.
The relevance of cover letters in today’s job market.
Addressing career gaps.
Key takeaways:
ATS is a digital filing cabinet for recruiters, not a tool designed for job seekers. It is used to store applicant information and track the life cycle of a job requisition.
The concept of "ATS-optimized" resumes is a myth. A simple, easy-to-read resume is sufficient, and complex formatting may cause parsing issues.
Immediate rejections are usually due to knockout questions, not because the ATS is automatically rejecting your resume.
Using the "Open to Work" banner on LinkedIn can be beneficial as it signals to recruiters that a candidate is actively looking.
Both Word and PDF formats are acceptable for resumes. The format does not matter as much as the content itself.
Cover letters may be necessary depending on the company's requirements and the type of role. They can serve to show communication skills, but their original purpose has largely disappeared.
Career gaps should not be a significant issue, and candidates should address them briefly, focusing on forward momentum and skills development.
It is important to tailor your application to the specific job and company, focusing on relevant skills and addressing the company’s needs.
Call to Action: Follow Amy Miller on LinkedIn and check out her blog at recruitinginyogapants.com and her YouTube channel https://youtube.com/@amymiller?si=3VZbwRNPRiK6jazl
 
Timeline of Topics
[0:00 - 2:40] Introduction of hosts Sam Cavaliere and Ron Melanson, and guest Amy Miller.
[2:40 - 6:40] Amy’s background, motivation for posting content, and the goal of her content.
[6:40 - 17:50] Discussion of the "dreaded" ATS-optimized resume and the need to understand how the job market has changed.
[17:50 - 35:30] Debunking myths about ATS, including what it is and how it works, including how it stores and processes data, knockout questions, the function of the application fields.
[35:30 - 39:20] Discussion of the "Open to Work" banner on LinkedIn and the advice to be prepared for increased recruiter contact.
[39:20 - 47:40] Discussion of the use of PDF vs Word for resumes, and the importance of naming a resume appropriately, focusing on the fact that the ATS doesn’t care about file type.
[47:40 - 50:15] Discussion of cover letters and their relevance in the modern job market.
[50:15 - 57:10] Discussion of career gaps and how to address them, as well as the importance of focusing on specific skills.
[57:10 - 61:00] Conclusion and plans for a part two, and thanking Amy for her contributions

S1 E5 Resumes and Storytelling

This podcast episode discusses resume writing and interviewing strategies. The hosts emphasize the importance of quantifiable results and metrics on resumes, arguing that simply listing responsibilities is insufficient in today's competitive job market. They then focus on the power of storytelling in interviews, suggesting three key narratives: an origin story, a success story, and a resilience story (a story about overcoming a setback). The hosts advocate for honesty and self-awareness, emphasizing that vulnerability and owning failures can make a candidate more relatable and memorable. 
Incorporating Metrics in Job Resumes
In the meeting, Sam and Ron discussed the importance of including metrics and results in resumes for job seekers. Ron shared his experience of working with a professional to revamp a resume and the recommendation to include more action-oriented and story-driven content. He emphasized the preference for resumes that include numbers and metrics, as they demonstrate understanding of the work's results. Sam agreed, noting that the job search is never over and the need for resumes to stand out in today's competitive market. They concluded that including metrics and results in resumes can make them more attractive to potential employers.
 
Call Center Performance Metrics Discussion
Ron and Sam discussed a call center employee's performance metrics and how they were measured. The employee initially struggled to articulate his performance metrics, but after some prompting, he revealed that his performance was based on customer satisfaction ratings, the number of customers he engaged with, and the number of recommendations he made to the engineering team that were adopted. Ron and Sam agreed that these metrics were key performance indicators (KPIs). They also discussed the importance of separating individual contributions from team efforts in performance evaluations. The conversation ended with a humorous observation about the two sides taking opposing views during the discussion.
 
Metrics and Results in Jobs
Ron and Sam discussed the importance of metrics and results in various jobs, emphasizing that these metrics should drive meaningful outcomes. They used the example of a delivery consultant to illustrate that the work done should benefit both the company and the customer. They also highlighted the significance of quantifying achievements, such as improving sales processes or exceeding quotas, but stressed that these numbers should be believable and contextually relevant. The conversation concluded with the importance of having stories to explain how these metrics were achieved.
 
Storytelling and Networking in Interviews
Sam and Ron discussed the importance of storytelling in job interviews, emphasizing the need to elaborate on the metrics listed on resumes. They highlighted the example of Ron's former coworker, Megan Weber, who had no prior experience in the Cloud business but excelled in her role. Ron also stressed the importance of maintaining relationships within one's network, as it can provide valuable insights and assistance. The conversation concluded with a reference to a previous episode of the Tech Currents podcast, which delved into the concept of a "bar raiser" at Amazon, a special interview team responsible for hiring the best candidates.
 
Improving Communication and Interview Skills
Ron discussed the shift in communication patterns due to increased connectivity and the preference for short, concise messages. He highlighted the challenges of interviewing candidates who struggle to provide coherent, story-like responses. Ron also shared his personal experience of writing daily articles for LinkedIn, emphasizing the difficulty of the task. He suggested that job seekers should practice telling three stories, including an origin story, to improve their interview performance.
 
Origin Stories and Career Development
Ron and Sam discussed the importance of origin stories and proud accomplishments in career development. Ron shared his son's origin story, which revolved around his passion for aerospace engineering and his interest in working for SpaceX or Blue Origin. Sam agreed, emphasizing the significance of passion in one's career. They also discussed the STAR format for sharing success stories, which includes a situation, task, action, and result. Ron used an example of a marketing campaign to illustrate this format. They concluded that these stories should be concise, ideally under two minutes, and should highlight the individual's role in achieving the desired outcome.
 
Overcoming Professional Failure and Learning
Ron and Sam discussed the challenges of recalling and learning from past failures, particularly in a professional context. They agreed that it's common for people to avoid discussing their failures, as they were often discouraged from doing so in their previous work environments. However, they emphasized the importance of learning from these experiences, as they can provide valuable insights for personal and corporate development. They also discussed the difficulty of discussing failures in interview scenarios, suggesting that it's crucial to be comfortable and genuine when discussing past failures.
 
Sharing Personal Experiences in Work
Ron and Sam discussed the importance of sharing personal experiences, particularly failures, in a professional setting. Ron emphasized the value of self-awareness, admitting mistakes, and learning from them. He shared his experience of a product launch that faced significant delays due to communication issues, which led him to modify his communication approach. Sam agreed, highlighting the need for job seekers to overcome the fear of appearing vulnerable and to own their failures. They also touched on cultural differences in discussing failures, with some cultures being more reluctant to do so.
 
Showcasing Personal Experiences in Interviews
In the meeting, Sam and Ron discussed the importance of showcasing personal experiences and achievements in job interviews, rather than just listing job responsibilities. They emphasized the value of storytelling in interviews, highlighting the origin story, a proud accomplishment, and a story of resilience. They also discussed the significance of quantifiable results in resumes and the need for recruiters to look for team-oriented individuals. The conversation concluded with plans for a future podcast episode featuring a recruiter, Amy Miller, who will discuss recruiting myths and the role of applicant tracking systems.
 
Ron's LinkedIn Articles. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronaldmelanson/recent-activity/articles/

The Tech Currents Podcast S1E4 -- "Ctrl+Alt+Office" the return to office mandates

This Tech Currents podcast episode discusses the controversial topic of return-to-office mandates in the tech industry. The hosts interview a cybersecurity expert who offers nuanced perspectives on productivity, considering factors beyond simple output metrics. They explore various contributing elements, including the economic impact on cities and the unintended consequences of widespread remote work. The discussion also touches on the role of company culture and the challenges of adapting to changing work models. Ultimately, the podcast concludes that a lack of comprehensive data currently hinders definitive conclusions on optimal work arrangements.
#productivity #innovation #RTO #returntooffice #workingathome
 
Here is a list of sources that were used in researching this episode with links where available:
•Aksoy, Cevat Giray, Jose Maria Barrero, Nicholas Bloom, Steven J. Davis, Mathias Dolls & Pablo Zarate. 2022. Working From Home Around the World. National Bureau of Economic Research Working Paper 30446.
•Althoff, Lukas, et al. 2022. The Geography of Remote Work. 93 Reg.Sci. Urban Econ. 103770.
•Barrero, Maria, Nicholas Bloom & Steven J. Davis. 2021. Why Working From Home Will Stick. National Bureau of Economic Research Working Paper 28731.
•Bloom, Nicholas, et al. 2015. Does Working from Home Work? Evidence from a Chinese Experiment. 130 Quart. J. Econ. 165–218.
•Bloom, Nicholas, Steven J. Davis & Yulia Zhestkova. 2021. COVID-19 Shifted Patent Applications Toward Technologies That Support Working from Home. 111 American Economics Association Papers and Proceedings 263–6.
•Choudhury, Prithwiraj, Cirrus Foroughi & Barbara Larson. 2021. Work-From-Anywhere: The Productivity Effects of Geographic Flexibility. 42 Strateg. Manage. J. 655–83.
•Deitrick, Sabina & Christopher Briem. 2021. The Pittsburgh Transition: Not Quite So Simple. 35 Econ. Devel. Quart. 197–201.
•Delventhal, Matthew J., Eunjee Kwon & Andrii Parkhomenko. 2022. How Do Cities Change When We Work From Home?. National Bureau of Economic Research Working Paper 30281.
•Emanuel, Natalia & Emma Harrington. 2021. “Working” Remotely? Selection, Treatment, and the Market Provision of Remote Work (Harvard Dept. of Econ., Working Paper, April 2021). https://scholar.harvard.edu/eharrington/publications/working-remotely-selection-treatment-and-market-provision-remote-work
•Florida, Richard. 2021. The Shift from the “Last Relic of the Industrial Age” to Remote Work. https://www.detroitchamber.com/richard-florida-the-shift-from-the-last-relic-of-the-industrial-age-to-remote-work/
•Gibbs, Michael, Friederike Mengel & Christoph Siemroth. 2022. Work from Home & Productivity: Evidence from Personnel & Analytics Data on IT Professionals. IZA Discussion Paper No. 14336.https://ssrn.com/abstract=3846680
•Van Nieuwerburgh, Stijn. 2022. The Remote Work Revolution: Impact on Real Estate Values and Urban Environment. National Bureau of Economic Research Working Paper 30662.
•Zhang, Ting, Dan Gerlowski & Zoltan Acs. 2022. Working From Home: Small Business Performance and the COVID-19 Pandemic. 58 Small Bus. Econ. 611–36.
 
 

S1E3 Tech Talk and Reminiscing

This Episode, admittedly a very late thanksgiving episode,  features a conversation between two longtime friends (Sam and Ron) reminiscing about their shared experiences in the tech industry, spanning from the early days of personal computing and dial-up internet to the modern era of cloud computing and streaming services. Their discussion covers obsolete technologies, humorous anecdotes from their careers at Microsoft, and reflections on the evolution of the industry and its impact on their professional lives. They also compare past and present technological advancements, contrasting the problem-solving skills developed in earlier eras with readily available online resources today. The conversation concludes with thoughts on the importance of continuous learning and problem-solving in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
They reminisce about various hardware and software products released by Microsoft over the years, noting both their successes and failures.
Many of the products they discuss were innovative for their time but ultimately failed to gain widespread adoption.They attribute this to various factors, including lack of developer support, being ahead of their time, and market conditions.
Here's a list of some of the products they mention:
Windows Phone: They praise its UI/UX but acknowledge its lack of popularity. They believe it failed due to a lack of developer support and the dominance of Android and
Early HP Devices (iPAQs and Pocket PCs): They recall these devices as early attempts at mobile computing that were limited by their technology.
Microsoft Cordless Phone System: They fondly remember this product, which integrated with Outlook contacts and offered caller ID and voicemail features.
ActiMates: They discuss the interactive toys that could be programmed to perform various actions. While innovative, they also acknowledge their potential for misuse.
Ultimate TV: They lament the demise of this two-tuner DirectTV receiver that allowed users to record one channel while watching another. They believe it was a precursor to modern DVR technology.
Courier Tablet: They discuss this dual-screen tablet concept that was killed by Microsoft but later adopted by companies like Samsung.
Microsoft Bob: They briefly mention this software product as an example of a product that was ahead of its time.
Hydra (Terminal Server): They recall this product and its evolution into the widely used terminal server technology.
Microsoft Hermes (SMS): They discuss this early precursor to Systems Management Server (SMS), highlighting its innovative screen-sharing capabilities but also its potential for privacy concerns.
The speakers conclude by reflecting on the importance of problem-solving skills, sharing knowledge, and continuous learning in the technology industry. They emphasize that while the abundance of information available today is beneficial, it's crucial to continue experimenting, questioning, and not solely relying on tools to solve problems.
 
Topics include:
Tech History
Obsolete tech
Microsoft Products
Problem Solving
Knowledge Sharing
#innovation #whatinspiresme 

S1E2 Bar Raising, Mentoring and the impact on mental health of job seeking

In this episode, special guest Ron Melanson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronaldmelanson/ ) takes us through a discussion about what bar raising is at Amazon, providing us with his history of mentoring and talking about what drove him to become a more active career coach.  This includes a discussion around mental health and job seeking.  Something many folks will not discuss, but we want to address it head on as I know it affected  me personally during my job search.  
If you haven't met Ron and had the privilege of getting his counseling on your resume and interview techniques, you are doing yourself a disservice.  Get familiar with the STAR technique for interviews if you are in your job search today https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/resources/interviewing-talent/star-method

Tech Currents Podcast, Premier Episode and Sam's adventure in the land of the laid off

In our premier episode, we introduce our host, Sam Cavaliere and discuss his adventures in being laid off.  We talk about navigating LinkedIn and what we found to be most helpful when navigating being laid off.