News story

News Story

This is the news story that I told you about yesterday!



Twittering for a job
People find job search success with
social media

Updated: Monday, 27 Apr 2009, 11:28 PM EDT
Published : Monday, 27 Apr 2009, 9:20 PM EDT

* Chris Velardi

New Haven (WTNH) - We've all heard the saying, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." When it comes to getting a job, networking is a critical skill. Fortunately, these days, job-seekers have more tools than ever to do just that.

Take Stefania Campbell for example.

She's working; there's no doubt about that. But she's not getting paid for her work. Right now, like so many people, finding a job is Campbell's full-time job.

"I got a letter last week; I was one of 500 applicants for an assistant -- an executive assistant position," said Campbell.

Tough odds, so Campbell is doing whatever she can to beat them.

"What is gonna make me shine?" asked Campbell. "What's gonna make me look the best? What's gonna make my resume stand out among hundreds?"

Campbell believes networking is a good first step. She's on the social media sites Facebook and LinkedIn , posting status updates about her situation, reconnecting with former classmates and colleagues and joining groups like "JobAngels" and "Women for Hire." She's getting job leads and personal recommendations and she's seeing results.

"I went to one interview and they mentioned the recommendations that they saw on my LinkedIn profile," Campbell said.

Quinnipiac University Senior Genna Kornweiser is also on Facebook and has tried LinkedIn. But her tool of choice is twitter .

"I have it on my Blackberry; I'm on it all the time," said Kornweiser.

Kornweiser will graduate in May with a degree in Public Relations and Marketing. She's been trying to line up a job but she hasn't had much luck.

"The big trend we've seen is no response whatsoever. It's not we 'can't hire you', it's not 'we won't hire you', it's just nothing," said Kornweiser.

But on twitter, Kornweiser said she is getting somewhere.

The site has become very popular with job seekers. Search "job" or "jobs" on twitter , and you'll find links to many listings.


But Kornweiser said it's even more valuable as a platform where she's able to network with a large number of people with whom she shares common interests.

"There's a lot of people talking about jobs right now; there's a lot of journalists out there, there's a lot of PR professionals on there. And if they don't have something available, they're referring you to other people," said Kornweiser.

Quinnipiac University Professor Rich Hanley says that's the beauty of social media sites. It's why he teaches his students how to use it for more than just "being social."

"Your megaphone reaches a much broader audience than it does through the United States Postal Service or through your geographic network, which tends to be limited," said Hanley.

But perhaps, more important, companies that are hiring expect you to be using sites like Facebook, LinkedIn and twitter -- they want to know you're tuned in to technology.

People have been using the net to surf for jobs for years. They turn to sites like Monster.com , Career Builder.com and indeed.com . Now those sites are trying to keep up with the changing ways people are using the web.

Tim Dineen is the online marketing manager at indeed.com.

"We're trying to be a part of the whole process," said Dineen. "If people need a job search today, we're there for them. And if people want to interact further, we want to be able to help them do that."

Dineen said indeed.com has been integrating social media sites into its job searches; allowing users to scan for contacts they may know at companies to which they're applying.

That's something Campbell finds particularly helpful. Because as she builds her network online, she continues the conversation offline. She's hoping all the work will eventually lead to a job.

"I'm staying connected, I'm having coffees and lunches and emails and people are always checking in on me and broadening their networks and broadening connections for me. So, I'm staying positive," said Campbell.

Because, as Campbell said, you never know who may come through with the lead that leads to a job.




No autographs... please!
:)

Ciao
S

Peace

This morning I took my coffee and my book out to the front porch and read in silence. The weather is gorgeous this morning and I was at peace.
This past week has been BUSY and lovely and tiring and everything in between.
I had a great visit with Nina and Ali and their brood. Lulu is a gorgeous baby that makes you want to run out and have 10 of your own... ;)
Friday I spent the day with my kiddies... even through a sore throat we managed to have a wonderful visit. Flying kites at the park, playing on the playscape with the other 1,000 kids from the neighborhood and building Robbie's new Batman bike that he decided within 2 minutes was not as good as his other bike. We had a great time.
I felt worse on Saturday but hubby and I trudged on with our "date" plans. It was world tai chi day so we ventured to our local park and took part in some tai chi. I had a tough time concentrating due to the stuffed nose and tired muscles. We (I) didn't last very long and came home to nap. Sunday was supposed to be filled with birthday parties and visits but because of this cold we decided to stay close to home and I'm glad.
Tonight I am going to be on the 11pm news. I'm kinda nervous about it. People have been calling me all weekend to say that they have seen me on the teaser... crazy. I guess I can't wait to see how I look first... people already know. I will post the link tomorrow.

Green Curry Cashew Sauce

1 slice (1/4 inch thick) peeled fresh ginger
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons roasted unsalted cashews
1/3 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1/4 cup cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon curry powder
coarse salt

1. In a food processor, pulse the ginger until finely chopped. Add 3/4 cup cashews; process until smooth. 2-3 minutes.
2. Add yogurt, cilantro, sugar, and curry powder; season with salt. Process until incorporated, 1 to 2 minutes, scraping down sides as needed. Transfer to a serving bowl; sprinkle with cashews. Serve with shrimp, or toss with steamed veggies. Refrigerate covered up to 3 days.

LOVE THIS.

I used greek yogurt and it came out very thick so I tossed it with sautee'd shrimp... delish. I also used it in pitas with falafel... yum! I also was not really sure what 1/4 inch thick piece of ginger was... I mean it is so oddly shaped that you can't really tell what 1/4 inch think is... I mean can we use tablespoons here people. Still awesome dish...

Buon Appetito,
S

Holy Smoke

Hi all. Been kinda feeling quiet these days. Please forgive.
So this week is Spring Break and the hubby and I are home together. I've tried to schedule some fun things for us as well as some stuff for me to do without him so he can enjoy the house to himself.
We took a road trip on Saturday to visit Gram in rehab. She recently broke her femur and is in rehabilitation until she feels better. It was really nice to visit with her, she is such a smart alec and was full of jokes and stories. Her roommate decided to try to pick something up off the floor while sitting in her wheelchair and almost tipped over. I ran over to help her set her wheelchair right. Whew, that was a scary moment. Gram seems to be doing well and we are looking forward to visiting her again when she gets home. After that we drove a little further south to the fair city of Fairfield, where Holy Smokes BBQ calls home. We again saw this gem on our favorite show DDD (Diners Drive-Ins and Dives). Yumm is all I can say. It was a really nice day so we were able to sit outside on their patio. We ordered pulled pork, ribs and sides of mac-n-cheese, rice and beans, and french fries. The sides were definitely not as good as the meat and the sauce. The sauce alone is worth the trip. We brought some more bbq home for dinner (burnt endz and chicken wings... and more meat). The burnt endz and chicken wings were by far the BEST. This marked the end of pig out and the beginning of Vegetarian week. My friend Jenn decided on her birthday last month to spend the next month eating vegetarian and inspired us.
It started as a great idea and then quickly evolved into... let's eat pescatarian this week instead. Which means that we can eat fish. I think we are both good with that one. Sunday was the easing into it day. We ate shrimp with green curry sauce (DELISH) and a side of broccoli rabe (which we both love love love). Yesterday we had scrambled eggs with broccoli and onions for breakfast and falafel for lunch (smeared with more of the green curry sauce (yummy!). We were both on our own for dinner and I ate the rest of the broccoli rabe saute'd with cherry tomatoes on top of a dollop of ricotta. Very nice light dinner. When G got home and I asked him what he ate for dinner... he got a devious smile on his face and told me. I'll never tell. :) Today for lunch I made Heather's enchilada bake... super tasty, very spicy and there is plenty for dinner. Not really sure what the rest of the week will bring and if we make all week with out meat I will be very excited (and surprised).
It is a busy one this week... tomorrow I am going to visit a friend that lives north of Boston, to meet her newest addition to the family and am super excited about it; especially because I get to travel there with one on my favorite family's ever. I'm really looking forward to spending some time with these amazing women!
Thursday I will spend some time with honey... not sure what we've got planned yet... maybe more basement clearing (we did a bunch on Sunday and had fun traveling down memory lane). Friday I am babysitting my sister's kids all day and look forward to the shenanigans that we will get into!
Wow I guess I had a lot more to say than I thought.

My hair was flying all crazy because of the open windows, and you can kinda see G in the reflection of my glasses (gotta love that wide angle camera!).
Be well peeps.
Ciao
S

Easter Weekend

I can't express how happy I am that Spring is here. Winter was long and tough this year. I was cooped up a lot more that I wanted or should have been.
I just took a walk around the neighborhood and loved it. I love love love my neighborhood and to see it now with buds on the trees and the grass is starting to grow and be green. I LOVE IT.

This weekend was Easter and we got together with my family for Brunch. It is the ONLY holiday that we go out to eat. I am a huge breakfast lover and look forward to it every year. This year I went for the more lunch type foods and loved being with my family.
Saturday I went to a Bridal shower for my sweet friend Sarah.
She looked so beautiful and the place was amazing. I had a delicious piece of salmon and the most delectable chocolate mousse for dessert. Yum. They played a really fun game while opening the presents; before they started they chose three times (2pm, 2:30pm and 3pm) and the person's gift that we being opened at those times won a gift. It was really fun and everyone got a kick out of it.
Coming up... Next week is Spring break for the husband. We are planning an outing on Saturday to visit his gram and then on to the BBQ place we heard about on DDD. Yum.
Tomorrow I am heading into to Boston to see a new play by David Grimm... will tell you all about it.
Well that is really all for now.
Enjoy the Spring and pics to follow.


Ciao
S

Julianna took this picture of us!

PARTY

The party is over and my hubby celebrated and we are all done.
I think that I can safely say that I have been planning this for the last year. Of course some plans had to change but mostly it was exactly what I envisioned; happiness, friends, food, drinks, merriment and of course some more happiness.
We had a great time. Friends came from all over. We survived the 50+ peeps in the house (mainly because it didn't rain and we able to hang on the porch a bit). When the sun went down and it got pretty chilly outside I suggested we light that fire that we were hoping to get to. I asked the boys to bring home some firewood; so we had something like 6 cords (just in case). The April winds kept us on our toes... there was a slight moment there that I thought it wasn't the brightest idea to have a fire. In the end all was well.
We had three cakes, full bar, plenty of food, two huge jars of Nutella, and to really prove what a rocking time we had... a red wine stain on the carpet. There are so many great stories to tell and plenty of pictures to prove it... the one above was taken when just about everyone was still there. Big crowd.
I look forward to planning our next big shindig, because as you know we bought the house so I could have a dance party whenever I choose!

Ciao
S

Pics

love love love love


Waiting by the door the night before the big vacation to Disney.


Can you tell that they are related?


Love this picture of big brother and little brother.


This is the bookclub... or wine club... you decide.


Hubby's birthday dinner tablescape.


The newest version of my do!

That's it for now.
Ciao
S