Recently by Jenn Tran

What is it they say about the world due to globalization? Oh yeah, that it's "flat" (according to the book by Thomas L. Friedman anyway) but when you think of globalization in terms of reach with the world wide web, then we're living in an every growing universe. Say you are a player in the interactive space and want to make sure that you are always on the cutting edge with regards to your experience, then this is the list for you.

In order to make sure that potential employers know your true value here's a quick Top 10 List of "must-haves" for your resume:

1) .com, e-commerce or mobile sites/applications
I place all of these as one item because it is rare (but highly fortunate still) for anyone to have experience with all of these. Make sure that you are highlighting the volume or scability of the site in your job description so employers who may not have heard of the company or have been to the site know how robust it truly is.

2) Technology
I can't stress enough importance with this. If you are a designer but can edit or hand-code CSS, make sure that you are listing that. If you are a web developer and have object-oriented PHP experience, LIST it. Even with most descriptions people will not be able to intuitively know the technology platforms you have been exposed to without them being explicitly stated.

3) Verticals 
If you're in the interactive space, hot verticals would include: technology (startups), digital agency, entertainment company, large brands and large e-commerce shops. If you have this experience, make sure it stands out on your resume.

4) Certifications 
PMP, Adobe, Flash - any and all ceritifcations of desired and current technology will be a huge plus that will put you ahead of other people in your particular role when it comes to the interactive space. While not necessary, certifications show you really know your stuff.

5) Measurable Results 
How many downloads? What is the site traffic? How many users did the site/application support? Numbers are important - usually the bigger the better. More and more employers are looking for candidates who know their business value and can quantify it.

6) Iterations 
With the web and the users of the world wide web being as unique as any IP address (NERD joke) people will want to see that you understand and have worked in cross-browser/platform fuctionality. For example, that you developed the mobile site as well as the flash application (at least graphics wise), etc.

7) "cross-functional"
To me, interactive is almost synonymous with cross-functional. Although understandable to be a one-person shop for any particular interactive collateral, if you worked in large and cohesive team with marketing, engineering, QA, off-shore and off-site teams, then you've proven your ability to work in a highly collaborative environment (especially one as complex as an web project), and you're money!

8) Detail
When it comes to your resume, DO sweat the small stuff. Think back on your experience, look at the type of position you're aspiring towards and make sure that any gaps that you can fill honestly with your experience or know-how get filled! (This goes for all resumes and not just the interactive ones.)

9) Continuing Education
Any coursework, key industry conferences or digital affiliations should be listed on your resume to show that you intend to remain at the top of your game.

10) Be Clear
With the previous 9 points, you now have tons of artillery to pack on a sheet of paper, but let's keep in mind that nowadays employers are merely viewing your res on a screen. Make sure that you are using bullet points when appropriate and highlighting the major context and points in those bullets so they are hard to miss from wandering and employing eyes.

Now you're ready to take on the world (wide web). That was the last corny joke, promise!
Have questions/comments/concerns? I would love to hear them!

In exactly one week, the LA Web Design + Development Group Meetup will be holding its third meetup at Busby's East in Los Angeles! This is a great event hosted by the LA Interactive team (*cue biased opinion*) - but you don't have to take my word for it either - we have an average rating of 4/5 stars on Meetup.com! Busby's East is a large casual venue with great a great happy hour menu, drink specials and their own parking lot.

Here you will get to mix and mingle with other folks in the interactive space and get your networking on. Even better myself, Theresa or Meri would be happy to help you facilitate your networking since that's our specialty! Just look for us, we'll be the ones by the sign talking to everyone! Our turn out is usually a even amount of Interactive Designers, Developers and Producers from a variety of backgrounds and levels of experience.

Best thing about this event (in addition to the free parking lot in the back)? It's FREE. Click here to RSVP.


*image creativeinspirations

I came across a very insightful blog post by Greg Savage (CEO of Aquent International) with regards to recruiting and social media (I felt compelled to mention it here since I recently posted on the topic of the flip side of the spectrum).

Even if you are not in the staffing industry, the overall takeaway of the article (maximizing social media as a networking tool while not overlooking essential utilization of core recruiting skills: making a human connection and being able to influence, negotiate, etc.) is applicable to anyone in a business where developing relationships and networking is crucial to succeeding. 

Click here to read the full posting.

I was recently interviewed in Upscale Magazine about the topic of social networking pros and cons when it comes to professional image (click here to view the pdf of the article). Here are my unedited answers from the interview:

 Questions:
 
 1. How beneficial are social networking sites to business professionals?
 
I find social networking sites to be highly useful for business professionals. You know the old Hollywood saying, "It's not what you know, but who you know" - this is especially true in today's world and the economical topography being what it is. With professional sites like LinkedIn, it's easy to update your status letting everyone you're connected to know what you're working on. For freelancers and w2 employees alike, it's a great tool to market and show off your work.
 
2. Can you provide tips on how to fully maximize the use of these sites?
 
Sure, like I mentioned before making good use of your status update with fun and innovative project tidbits and engaging in conversations with people in your industry and sharing useful links (I do this with all of my interactive talent). Your value in your social network is ALL about what you have to offer in terms of information. If you are the fountain of knowledge for all things Eco Friendly and Green, then your network would be ecstatic whenever you share the latest news on new company/city initiatives or projects that you have come across.

When you connect with someone new in your network, look at whom they speak to, check out whom they know, don't be afraid to introduce yourself... (That's what networking is all about anyway!)
 
 
 3. What are some things to avoid so future employers or clients won't get the wrong impression about these professionals, i.e. is it best to keep those pictures that your friend took of you dancing on a bar at your birthday party off of your Facebook page?
 
I've asked myself similar questions regarding the scandalous pictures. When it comes to marketing and networking yourself as a business professional I think it's important to look at your online presence as a statement of your own personal brand. When it comes to what people will see online (who your friends are, pictures, likes dislikes) as much as we'd like to think that work and personal life are separate, let's face it, even if you did not post those pictures up yourself, anyone can look you up online.

That being said, whenever we are out and about in the world the way we depict ourselves personally in public is how we're depicting our brand. What if you found yourself at your friend's bachelor party at a popular bar in Downtown and your boss was having dinner there? It's a long-winded answer but to put it simply, if you wouldn't be proud of other people knowing, then there is no sense with doing it in the first place.

But if the damage is already done with pictures, posts, etc. a lot of social networking sites have privacy settings that would be useful to provide limited access to the outside world. You can always "untag" yourself too.
 
 
4. What are some Dos and Don'ts to keep in mind when you have a page or are posting on social networking sites?
 
Do - be yourself.

Don't be afraid of being normal - after all, who would want to work at a company that would not be comfortable with someone who has their own personal life outside of work?

Don't - share or connect yourself with things that you aren't proud of. My Facebook profile is fairly open (I have some hidden elements) with regards to friends, what I do, my interests and everyday things I am open. The day that my mother figured out this whole new cool world of "social networking" and requested me as a friend on Facebook and I shrugged it off (despite being mortified for a second) I knew my profile stood the test of being good to connect to clients. Don't forget these are "social" networking sites. No one should expect anyone to be a robot.
 
 5. Is there any additional information or tips that you would like to add?
 
I'd like to reiterate again, "To Thine Own Self Be True" - being in the staffing industry you'd be amazed at how many of the people we rep have found jobs through networking, at parties, bars, online - you name it! I have found work for people who follow me (@anotorias) on twitter who I don't know through any other channel. Social networking is the easiest way to cast a wide net to find people who you will be able to find useful to further advance your career, if not now, most definitely in the near future!

This looks like a great event for anyone interested in learning more about business strategies involving Twitter. This event will be held at the lovely Covel Commons area at UCLA. They will have several speakers on social media strategies large companies have used successfully to boost revenue. Among some of the speakers at tonight's event will be Melodie Tao - Social Media Strategist and the Business Development Manager for BusinessOnLine marketing agency.

Her topics:
• How to measure business success using Twitter
• Case study: How a large organization uses Twitter to interact with their customers to reach business goals
• Case Study: How a small business uses Twitter to interact with their customers to reach business goals

To register ($25) and for more information about the event. Click here.

The AICP (Association of Independent Commercial Producers) Awards 2009, Los Angeles event was held last night at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (or LACMA as we like to call it). I happened upon the amazing opportunity to attend and watch the the awards show. The event brought in about 100-300 industry folks (advertising, television and the like) all there to enjoy the one thing that I think most people would agree to dislike about public television: commercials. Congratulations to all the agencies for their stellar and highly entertaining work! Among them: 72andSunny, Saatchi & Saatchi, Ogilvy and TBWA\Chiat\Day.

A cool and new category that the AICP just began recognizing in the recent years were viral ad campaigns, integrated campaigns and microsites. Pretty cool!

Here's one of my favorite honorees in the animation category (a Nike commercial of course!)

Other LinkedIn networking events bring in upwards of 500 people in various cities around the country, and this event is expected to have a similar turnout!

PLACE:

Busby's East: 5364 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles 90036

TIME:

July 14th from 6-9pm

COST:

$20 at the door

There is FREE parking behind the venue and your entry will include snacks, a raffle ticket for door prizes, and some quality networking.

From 4-7pm at Busby's is happy hour with $4 beer, 1/2 off appetizers, and $5 well drinks.

Click here for more information on the event. 

Just a heads up: on behalf of the L.A. Interactive Team (Meri Gulyan, Theresa Murphy and Yours Truly)... you are cordially invited to our 2nd Los Angeles Web Design and Development Meetup! We got a 4/5 star rating on Meetup.com and this next one we're looking to get that extra star back! We'll be meeting at the Mandrake in Culver City next Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at 6:00pm

Here's a link for more information.

Hope to see you there!

Seems like cool events usually happen on the same night... If blogging and journalism is more your thing, the Online News Association will be hosting a *free* seminar tomorrow (06/18/09) night at the LA Times building. Topics of conversation will include the popularity and the "revolution" of high iPhone usage and how to leverage the technology when it comes to reporting. Thanks to my buddy, Martin Bosworth of ConsumerAffairs.com for the heads up!

Registration closes tomorrow - so sign up ASAP if you'd like to go. 

Of course it you'd like some 101 on Twitter and Facebook, I'll be seeing you tomorrow night at Provecho!

If you're in Los Angeles on Thursday I'd like to cordially invite you to a short presentation I'm giving (sponsored by Staples) to the gracious people at Conexion and the Latina Business Association L.A. It's $10 at the door and will be held at Provecho in Downtown L.A. I'll be speaking about my two favorite topics: Twitter and Facebook and how it relates to *you* in the professional world!

Here's the flyer.

Hope to see you there!