Advanced Online Recruiting Techniques: Miscellaneous

The Future of Work- insights from special BusinessWeek issue

Tue, 14 Aug 2007 03:57:42 GMT

by Glenn Gutmacher

A wide-ranging, fairly thorough, thought-provoking and very readable treatment of the "future of work" theme is what the latest issue of BusinessWeek magazine (dated Aug. 20, 2007 but already available online for free to non-subscribers) is devoted to:

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/toc/07_34/B40470734futurework.htm

The concept of collective intelligence and collaboration, among other work evolutions are explored: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_34/b4047438.htm and particularly in this article: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_34/b4047426.htm

"How to keep your job onshore" nicely explains some things you can do, with real-life examples:

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_34/b4047417.htm

A few articles on creating your personal brand: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_34/b4047419.htm

How to make workplaces healthier: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_34/b4047427.htm

Why airports are becoming more than just shipping and travel hubs: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_34/b4047434.htm

And quite a bit more worth reading, plus a few thematically-related online slide shows that BW has become known for, for all you visual learners.

Inspiration from Internet and rowing legend Andy Sudduth

Wed, 19 Jul 2006 13:32:42 GMT

I did not know Andrew Sudduth, but he was -- and will remain -- an inspirational icon for me and many, far beyond his New England roots. Both a champion athlete (in two forms of rowing -- crew and single sculler) and a patent-holding leader in Internet server technology, Andy did everything intensely and successfully. Though blessed with great genes, he made the most of it with unrivaled determination that manifested in his athletic pursuits as well as his intellectual ones. His mischievous reputation only adds to the charm.

The stories of others who did know him from his youth as a rowing legend, in his brilliant professional career, or among his friends (which, based on his personality, overlap the other categories) are all here. It is clear that, even though he was taken from us all far too early, he has already given his daughters more than most children ever receive from their parents. Thanks to that deep love, imbuing great intellectual curiosity, and to the many friends and family who obviously care deeply, I'm sure they will end up fine citizens who excel in whatever they choose to pursue.

If you wonder about your purpose on earth, or seek inspiration about what one person can do in a short lifetime, the memorial website (which was his own personal website) is worth reading. Another complementary read is the extended obituary from the 7/19/06 Boston Globe. (If previous link is no longer active, it will eventually be archived here if you select News Obituary.)

P.S. I'm trying something new here to see what kind of feedback I get. Disclaimer: No endorsement of any advertiser is implied.

Background Information Services (BIS) provides employment background checks to its clients.

Southwest Airlines succeeding on humor factor, too

Wed, 07 Dec 2005 04:44:42 GMT

I know you expect this blog to primarily share Internet recruiting or sourcing techniques in a Q&A format, and secondarily to describe industry events of note. These will continue to be my focus. However, I was motivated to compose this while cooped up at 30,000 feet, and I'd argue this contains a useful takeaway reminder for recruiters:

I took a Southwest Airlines flight for the first time in years earlier this week, and was reminded of a lesser-known reason why they've been the only consistently profitable airline throughout the 21st century: humor. Other than a friendly smile, the staff are cut-and-dry on other airlines (maybe their employers' lack of profitability is a factor). However, the first announcement we heard from the Southwest captain was to explain that the cabin would experience a pancake-and-syrup-like aroma just before takeoff, and "don't get excited -- Southwest isn't starting to serve passengers breakfast; you'll get your peanuts and like it." This earned a good laugh among the passengers, followed by another couple of fairly witty lines from the lead flight attendant (can't recall them exactly now, but I remember the passengers chuckling at these, too) and calling herself "bag lady" as she walked down the aisle to collect trash for the plastic bag she held.

I asked the attendant if Southwest writes and/or approves joke scripts corporately for use by the crew, or if they have the latitude to devise and use humor independently. She assured me it was the latter, and it was typically gained by listening to members of other crews, and employees steal each other's best bits. The only restriction she recalled was when they were told not to mention other airlines by name. For example, she recounted a common joke at the competitor's expense: When another airline's plane was in view, they would tell the passengers to wave at the [airline name] plane so they can see what a full flight looks like. (In fairness, my Southwest flight was about 2/3 full.)

P.S. Later, unprompted, she noticed my beverage cup was empty, and offered to refill my apple juice (she remembered that's what I had, and there were no visual clues of this), which is something I've only experienced in first class on other airlines. Perhaps it's also noteworthy that there was no first class section on this plane!