Disqus - Latest Comments for AHennessy

Re: A Tweet Job: Summer ‘Twinternship’ With CAREEREALISM.com

Andrew Hennessy — Tue, 05 May 2009 12:52:25 -0000

Being an intern for JT was one of the best career decisions I have ever made. I learned so much about myself and how to show my unique skills during interviews. This enabled me to separate myself from the competition and I landed a great internship for the summer.

As far as Twitter is concerned, you would be silly not to take advantage of the "Twinternship" this summer. Not only are you setting up a great social media tool for yourself, but also you get one-on-one coaching from JT as she guides you through her CAREEREALISM University program. You will not be disappointed with her program and that is a promise!!

So do yourself a favor and sign up for it. If you have any questions please come find me on Twitter @AndrewHennessy

Re: 5 Things EVERY Job Seeker Should Know About Themselves

Andrew Hennessy — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:38:27 -0000

These 5 things are EXTREMELY important for all job seekers to learn and understand. JT does a great job of helping the viewer to understand each skill. Being able to demonstrate these skills will give you the advantage you need to stand out to employers.

Re: Susan Boyle: Recruiters…What Advice Would You Give?

Andrew Hennessy — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:51:26 -0000

I think Susan already has the skills to become more marketable. In a recent TV interview with Larry King, Susan is asked if she thinks she should change her look and style to become more appealing on TV. Susan replies, "If I did that, I would be taking away my individuality".

Susan understands that her unique style is her "brand" and she has used this to become popular. Although this does not directly relate to many people who are used to filling out applications and going in for interviews, it is a prime example that if you know your unique skill and can show that off, anything can happen.

Re: Secret to Improving Workplace Morale: Sing-alongs

Andrew Hennessy — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:00:05 -0000

I think Workplace Sing-alongs are a great idea! What a great way to spice things up in the office and have some fun.

Another song that would be good for a mid-week sing-along is "Three Little Birds"...or as most people know it "Don't Worry....Bout a Thing....Cuz Every Little Thing, is Gonna Be Alright"

Re: 7 Secrets to Successful Informational Interviews

Andrew Hennessy — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:46:21 -0000

Informational Interviews are extremely beneficial to job seekers. If you take the initiative to go out and seek an informational interview prior to applying for the job, you are showing the employer that you are proactive and care about the job. When recruiters are sorting through hundreds of applications and determining who they want for interviews, your name will stand out because you have taken the time to learn about the company from someone who works there.

Its just one of the many little tips that can give you the slight advantage you need to get the job.

Great article!!

Re: ATTN: Read the Labels Before You Drink the Career Advice

Andrew Hennessy — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:58:25 -0000

The "danger" of the internet is that anyone can post anything and say it is a "credible source". It is very important to be able to distinguish between what is and what is not credible.

The tips J.T. offers in this article are very important to use when evaluating the credibility of a site. Although it may seem like good information, looking up other articles/posts by that same author are necessary steps to take.

By the way, for those of you who are new to CAREEREALISM, J.T. is a credible source.

Re: Career Do-Over: Owner of #1 Sports Bar in America Shares Insight

Andrew Hennessy — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:52:53 -0000

I really enjoy reading the Career Do-Over articles because they are true stories that many people can relate to in their own lives. This article is a real example of someone who is successful in something that is completely unrelated to his college major. It shows that hard work and determination pays off.

Great article Brendan! I do have to ask, what was the most important/useful message you took away from your interview with Mr. Colton?

Re: Absorb Yourself In Others: 10 Tips for Effective Face-to-Face Networking

Andrew Hennessy — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 12:15:34 -0000

Twitter is one of the best tools to use for networking. You can connect with people (anywhere in the world) in seconds, establish a brief intelligent conversation, and then you have a networking contact!

It cannot be stressed enough how important networking really is. The tips in JT's post are extremely helpful.

Re: 6 Things to Know Before Becoming a Teacher

Andrew Hennessy — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 09:20:03 -0000

Great article Kristin. I completley agree with "no matter how many internships you do, or how many lessons you observe, you will still learn much more in a single day in your own classroom than you ever will teaching in someone else’s".

This holds true in every job field. You can't really understand what it's like to be in someone else's shoe's until you experience it for yourself. I also really like the tips you offer here and I will be sure to keep them in mind.

Re: Study to be a Real Estate Agent Right Now…Are You Kidding? NOPE!

Andrew Hennessy — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 22:56:08 -0000

JT raises a very good point in her post. This "try before you buy" notion sounds a lot like an internship. In any field, an internship is key. They can help you in two different ways.

The first way is to "try" the internship before you "buy" the job. If you are on your internship and hate the work you are doing, its a great indication that this job is not for you. If you love the work you are doing, you should stay in that job which leads me to my second point...

By doing an internship, you gain the knowledge and experience you need to advance in that field. You also get a "leg up" on the competition because you have already done "x" amount of weeks/months in that job field. An employer is more likely to higher someone with that experience.

Whether it be real estate or an internship, "try before you buy" is a great method of approach.

Re: It’s Not Who You Know…It’s Who Knows YOU

Andrew Hennessy — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:37:38 -0000

Networking is so important, yet many people still do not realize it. Using tools like Twitter and Linked-In, it is very simple to get in touch with people who can help you out in your job search. All you have to do is seek out the person(s) you are looking for, start a brief dialogue, and before you know it, you’ve got a personal resource. Chances are, that person may know 5 more people in your desired field that you can get in contact with that can help you out. It’s simple, its quick, and its FREE!

Re: Mysterious Numbers Gave Me False Security: 3 Lessons Learned the Hard Way

Andrew Hennessy — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:31:01 -0000

Great post Jennifer. I couldn't agree with you more on the fact that you can't trust those "mystery numbers". I still have more than a year left in college but I am starting to feel the pressures of getting internships and jobs.

Some career centers are very helpful while others are not. Personally, I dont like mine so I don't use it. I've used sources such as networking and professors for finding an internship and I think it has helped tremendously.

I like how you ended with "your future is in your own hands". You create your own opportunities so it is very important to recognize them and take full advantage.

Re: 6 Rules for Social Media Use

Andrew Hennessy — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 18:21:21 -0000

I had the honor of attending this event and witnessed JT speaking live to the group. Although the sound quality was a little better in person (must have been the camera man's fault), everything that she says is true. Personal branding is so important; especially with today's economy. You have to learn how to set yourself apart from competitors.

This video offers some of the best career identity advice you can get, and its only about a half hour long. Using these simple branding tools (Facebook, Linked-In, and Twitter) you can brand yourself and get a step up on the competition. Best part is...it's FREE!

Re: What’s Up With College Career Centers? Tell Us YOUR Experience

Andrew Hennessy — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 11:20:19 -0000

Between the "toga parties" and being on "double secret probation" I dont think many of the Delta Tau Chi brothers had time to go to thier career center at Faber College.

After 2 and a half years in college, I can honestly say I have never been to my university's career center. The main reason for this is because I have not heard good things about it. From other students that have gone, I consistently hear the same responses:
"They just gave me a few pieces of paper and said, "Answer these questions and you'll know what your career is""
"I just feel like a number here. There's too many students. I can't get any one-on-one help"

For me, I have used other resources for career advice so I do not feel like I am missing out on anything that my career center has to offer.

Another problem I feel our career center has is not making themselves known to students on campus. Sure you hear about the career center during freshman orientation, but thats the last thing on every freshman's mind when they are thrown into a new world in college.

For many students, once they realize they need to go to thier career center, its often very late in their college career and they are kicking themselves wondering "What have I been doing for the past 3 and a half years? Why didnt I go earlier?"

At the same time, I think it's partially the career center's fault. Many of them do not make themselves known to students throughout their years at the college or university. Career centers expect the students to come to them. I think it should be the career centers who go after the students pushing them to come and get FREE help.

It is very important for students to realize that they should start seeking career help early in their college career because it will pay off in the end.

Re: 10 Types of Predatory Managers – Seen These At Your Job Lately?

Andrew Hennessy — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 22:42:17 -0000

Great article Scott! I think it makes it much easier for readers to relate to this by categorizing their boss into 1, or maybe more, of the 10 predatory managers.

As only a junior in college, I have not been out in the real world yet so I havent held a job where I have had one of those bosses. However, I really enjoyed the article so I felt the need to post.

Re: Are You Guilty? How 4 Words Control Your Career Decisions

Andrew Hennessy — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:25:21 -0000

I think asking people "What do you like to do?" instead of "What do you do?" is a great way to learn more about someone.

Many people like to talk about themselves. If asked the question "what do you do", the person may only give a brief description; especially if it is a job he or she is not particularly proud of. Instead, by asking "what do you like to do", a person is more likely to give an in-depth answer and you can hear some real honesty coming from them. You may also have similar interests which could lead to a great discussion. Who knows, this person could be the the perfect networking tool to get you that next job all because you cared to ask a more personalized question.

Re: What a 4-Year-old Can Teach You About Managing Your Boss

Andrew Hennessy — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:34:16 -0000

This is really great insight that I'm sure many people can relate to who have children. I especially like the "unexpected recognition as a way to score points". This doesn't only apply in the job field, but everywhere in life. I used to do things like that as a student in elementary and middle school to try and score a few "brownie points" with the teacher. Usually it works.

Who would have thought you can learn soemthing from little children?

Re: Career Truth #1: Brand or Be Branded

Andrew Hennessy — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:07:22 -0000

Job applicants have to be very careful about what type of pictures/information is on the internet. It is true that employers type your name into a Google search and take a look at the first few things that come up. This could make or break your opportunity to get a job.

To check, simply type your full name and your college/university (ex. Joe Smith UMASS) into a Google search and see what comes up. If it is something that you don't think should be on there, then GET RID OF IT! You are only doing yourself a favor.

Take the time to do it now. Don't wait until it is too late.

Re: Career Do-Over: “Don’t Delay the Living,” Says Corporate Brand Expert, Tom Asacker

Andrew Hennessy — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 11:34:32 -0000

Great post Carly! I really like Tom's quote that says, “What is important in life is life, and not the result of life." I cannot agree with this more. It is very important to take advantage of the opportunities life throws at you because you never know where they will take you.

I also like how Tom was not afraid to change what was going on in his life to do something different that makes him happy. I think this is a great message we should all take into account. Do what makes you happy and dont live a life of regrets.

Re: Are Dirt-Church Jobs Worth Taking Anymore?

Andrew Hennessy — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:39:29 -0000

Personally, if I had a job with a professional sports team, I would never leave them.

I think in today's economy, it might be more appealing to take the dirt-church job only because it may be the only job avaliable. To some it could be the ultimate dream job, but to others, it may just be a resume builder. However, if presented with multiple job offers, I think taking the job where there is a chance for advancement in the company may be the best call.

As a college student, I have not been in either of these positions but I'm sure I will in the near future.

Re: 3 Good Things a Recession Does for Careers

Andrew Hennessy — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:59:51 -0000

JT makes some great points in her post. Although losing a job is often very tough to deal with, it can also open many doors to a new career that you never thought possible.

In order to make this happen, you (as a job seeker) need to figure out what makes you special and how to promote yourself to employers. These skills are crucial to setting yourself apart from other job applicants.

Re: 1,300 New Followers + 10 More Experts = #1 Career Advice Tool on Twitter (Well…We Think So!)

Andrew Hennessy — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:49:41 -0000

Anyone who doesn't follow Careerealism or T.A.P. is just hurting themselves. FREE career advice from 14 career experts. This is incredible! All you have to do is follow along and ask any basic question you may have and then you get advice from 14 career EXPERTS.

As soon as I heard that there was going to be 6 additonal experts, the first thing I did was follow them on Twitter. Now I have a solid network of career experts that can point me in the right direction.

Re: Younger Job Seekers: 3 Reasons Why Your Application Will Be Put in the Circular File (a.k.a. Waste Basket)

Andrew Hennessy — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 20:06:26 -0000

Often times college students do use one cover letter then just substitute in the comepany's to make it "personalized". As JT stated before, this is not the way to go about doing this.

Personalizing each cover letter requires actual research about the company you are applying to and using that in the cover letter to show the company you have actually done work to learn about them. Doing this will help separate you from other candidates. Great article!

Re: 11 Most Common Job Search Questions Answered

Andrew Hennessy — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 17:05:50 -0000

These are all great answers to basic job searching. The most shocking piece of the article to me was that, "the average worker having as many as 9 careers in their lifetime and roughly 3 jobs in each one" I feel like many people are unaware of this and they should be. Knowing that "every job is only temporary" really makes me take a different approach to a job search.

After reading the article and listening to the responses, in only 15 minutes I feel like I know more than I ever did before about job searching.

Re: 10,000 Hour Rule: Why Young Workers Struggle after College (and why some seasoned professionals do too!)

Andrew Hennessy — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:49:06 -0000

I have to agree with Gladwell's point when he states, "how one takes advantage of a particular opportunity, at a particular time in history, can be the real deciding factor."

People always need to be consciously aware of their opportunities because another opportunity like the one presented may not come again. You cant be afraid to take a chance on something. Who knows...it may lead to something better than expected.