Slow Blogging Week ... I'm hangin' with my team

This is a slow blogging week, and for good reason: I'm hanging out with the best recruiters known to man (and woman). Yep, that would be Jen, Jodi, Sherri, Carrie, and Kristen, who all support T-Mobile USA's Engineering organization.

We're meeting with our HR colleagues in Frisco to talk recruiting strategy and brainstorm ideas on what we can do to raise the bar. Why? Because we want to keep moving the bar - evolving in our approach to be the best HR/Talent Acquisition Engineering team on the planet.

So, team first - blog second.

But we've had our share of fun too (Sambuca and Cirque de Soliel - Corteo). If you haven't seen Corteo, holy cow...incredible. Take your team - you won't be disappointed.

Ok, nuf blogging. The early mornings and late nights have kept me away from the latest wireless news and I'm desperate for my fix.

Dennis

Top 3 "Must-Have" Skills ... If You've Been Gone

If you've been out of the job market for a while, you might be able to relate to Rainbow's 1979 classic, "Since You've Been Gone," even more than you know.

And, one thing's for sure, it's going to take you about 5 nanoseconds to realize that big-big changes have taken place...since you've been gone.

According to Marshall Loeb (MarketWatch.com) we're currently staring at a low 4.6 unemployment rate and a robust demand for labor in a persistently expanding economy where more and more Americans will be entering the job market in the months ahead. They emphatically include millions of mature people who had dropped out of the labor force for several years -- perhaps to raise their children -- and have chosen this inviting time to bounce back in.

Many of these job-seekers will need to make substantial adjustments to their skill sets in order to survive and succeed.

But Loeb believes that many of these returning job-seekers are beginning to conquer their fear of technology and references a recent survey by the Pew Internet & American Life Project concluding that,

54% of adults over 50 use the Internet, way up from 38% five years ago.

And it's a good thing - because Loeb's top three "must have" abilities for those that are bouncing back in to the job market focus on the computer:

1. The ability to operate a basic computer, by typing on a keyboard; manipulating a small device, known far and wide as the mouse, that controls the movement of the cursor on the computer monitor; and navigating the files and menu systems on a Mac or PC.
2. The ability to operate Microsoft Office programs, especially Word (a word-processing program which enables you to create and edit basic documents), Excel (which enables you to create and edit spreadsheets) and PowerPoint (which enables you to create presentations).
3. The ability to use essential Internet skills such as employing e-mail (which enables you to send and receive messages around the world in an instant), Web browsing (which enables you to navigate Web pages on the Internet) and searching for information on the Web.

Check out Loeb's complete article HERE.

And here's a few more tools for those returning to the job market HERE (QuintCareers), HERE (NetAssets), HERE (Eons), and HERE (RetiredBrains.com).

T-Mobile lands the Motorola Rizr

Looks like we'll have another cool phone to add to our employee phone list soon.


Here's an excerpt from Crave about the new Motorola Rizr due out next month:

I have to tip my hat to T-Mobile lately. The carrier has been off to a good start this year by introducing a couple of high-quality phones that haven't received any carrier love so far. First it started offering the excellent Nokia 5300, and it looks set to introduce the satisfying Motorola Rizr Z3 on March 12.

Though we've grown tired of the thin phone mania, the Rizr is quite the conversation piece. Not only does it successfully pull off the slider design, it's also much prettier than both the Motorola Razr and Krzr. The feature set is squarely midrange; there's no 3G support but you do get a Bluetooth, a speakerphone, and a 2-megapixel camera.

And here's CNET's review of the Rizr:

Web 2.0 ... The Machine is Us/ing Us

This amazing video has been viral since early Feb. I picked it up from John Battelle's Searchblog.

The Web 2.0 Headhuntress is on the Hunt!

A blogging buddy of mine (the Web 2.0 Headhuntress) is looking for a software guru (Technical Lead Manager) who has a passion for understanding, breaking, and testing products.

Click HERE to read Christie's post about the job, and (this is a bonus) to get her email address.

She works at this lil' po'dunk company somewhere out in California. What's the name of that company again? Oh, yeah, I think they were recently noted as the Best Place to Work by Fortune.

Geez, G what's o the o name g of l that e company?

Business 2.0's 25 Startups to Watch

Click here to meet Business 2.0's pick of the litter in five categories that embody the spirit of the Next Net: social media, video, mobile, online advertising, and enterprise applications.

The list is pretty impressive.

Here's the top startups in each of the 5 categories (click each picture for a website view):

Top 10 Gmail Tips and Hacks

I'm a big Gmail fan. I should be - I have more gmail accounts than should be allowed by law (yep, I thought happybirthdaytoyou@gmail.com was just too fun to pass up). I'm getting help, promise.

Anyway, when I found this Gmail tips and hacks article on Digg, I couldn't pass it up.

Here's one I've found big-time useful:

Bookmark any label, folder or message type:
Another apparently undocumented Gmail trick is the ability to bookmark a label, a standard folder or even a message type such as 'read' or 'unread.' It isn't quite as easy as bookmarking a website, but it's useful: simply copy and paste this link into your address bar: https://mail.google.com/mail/?view=cm&fs=1: and then add any label name, folder or message type after the colon (examples: fs=1:todo, fs=1:Drafts and fs=1:unread). Press enter, and then bookmark that page once Gmail loads.

If you're a gmail addict you'll want to read all 10, HERE.

And, if you'd like me to send you a birthday greeting (on your birthday) from happybirthdaytoyou@gmail.com...just let me know.

Or not.

Skype Asks FCC to Open Cellular Networks

Slashdot post says,

"Skype has just asked the FCC to force wireless phone companies to open their networks to all comers. Skype essentially wants to turn the wireless phone companies into just another network of the kind currently operated on the ground. This would require carriers to allow any phone to be used on their networks, and for any application.

Given the competition that exists within the industry, is this needed?"

Coming from the carrier perspective I say, "no."

What say you?

*Update:
Wireless is Fun is fanning the net neutrality flames and they're backing Skype all the way.

The most important word in "Job Search" is...

Not long ago, Scott Ginsberg asked this question on his blog:

"What's the most important word in marketing?"

The responses were blog-worthy (even Godin weighed in).

Knowing "job search" hits home with all of us at some point in our careers, I wanted to ask a question that each of us could relate to at some level.

So, here goes:

"What do you think is the most important word in "job search?"

(If you'd like to weigh in, I posted this question in the Answers section of LinkedIn (HERE).

Dennis

T-Mobile's Hot Jobs for Tuesday

4 Hot Jobs for Tuesday, Feb. 20th (T-Mobile USA):

Senior Transmission Engineer - UMTS (Bellevue, WA)

Engineer 3, Tech Support (Frisco, TX)

Senior Manager, RF Engineering (Bothell, WA)

Senior Engineer, Systems Planning and Dev (Concord, CA)

Click each to read detailed description and apply online.

Also, send resume' to me at WirelessHeadhunter@gmail.com

What is Your Body Saying?

We spend a lot of time talking about getting ready for interviews.

• Making sure your resume is in order
• Making sure you have researched the company
• Making sure you answer the questions appropriately
• Making sure you dress appropriately for the position

There is one thing that we don't talk about much though.

"Body Language"

You are all ready to make a great impression and wow them with your background and skills. You have done your homework. You are prepared!

But before you ever open your mouth, your body has spoken volumes!

Here are some facts.

• Only 7% of what we communicate is the actual words we speak.
• 55% is visual (body language and eye contact)
• 38% is vocal (pitch, speed, volume and tone of voice)

So, the problem is, our body may not be saying what we really feel.

For instance, if you keep your hands down at your side or in your pockets it could mean to some people you are insecure. Not making eye contact to some means you are being less than honest, when it could just mean you are nervous. Slouching in your chair, whether intentional or not, may be an indication that you are not really interested. Could be that you are just tired.

Okay, so what do you do?

You already have a lot to think about without having to worry about whether or not you are sitting up straight right?

The key is practice. Sounds kind of goofy but, how bad do you want that position?

Great speakers practice and even record their presentations. They watch themselves and see what they are doing wrong. They do it over and over again until it becomes natural for them to make eye contact, to use their hands when they speak, to have proper voice tone, and to have good posture.

Why can't people preparing for interviews do the same? Could you do a mock interview with someone and record it? Look at how you sit? How your voice sounds? Are you using your hands and making good eye contact?

Okay, I don't want you to be really animated, but don't leave your hands under the table or folded in front of you. Be confident!

People tell me all the time that they are just not good at interviewing or speaking in front of people. I understand that some people are better than others but, I honestly believe that you can get better if you practice.

When some one greats me for an interview with a confident hello and handshake and is confident in the way they stand and walk, I already have the feeling it's going to be a good interview. Their body language has spoken volumes about who they are before they have said a word.

By the way, If you want to practice, find someone besides your drinking buddies to do it with. They are generally not very good judges. At least mine weren't.

A lot of times, career counselors at colleges will set up mock interviews and they even have equipment to record them.

So, there it is, one more thing for you to work on so you can knock um dead in that next interview.

I've got one more, it's called the job description match quickie resume.

I'll save that one for next time.............

Parking the Mobile Generation

I know it sounds like a service for the rich 'n lazy, but I'm thinkin' SpotScout's going to catch on.

Why? Because locating a parking spot can oftentimes rank right up their with being beaten with a cane.

SpotScout, Inc. is betting it can chip away at that anachronism and transform the search for parking just as eBay Inc. changed auctions. And their hope is to create an online marketplace where drivers armed with mobile phones can not only reserve private spaces in garages and driveways, but also swap public parking spots in real time, with vacant spaces going to the highest bidder.

Sweet.

Hey, you can't blame 'em for wanting to take the work out of trying to find a parking spot - if I could get this thing to work at DFW Airport, I'd be a millionaire.

You can check out their BLOG to keep up-to-date on their status.

Full-story HERE: Yahoo!News

The MobileTV Blues

We've tweaked Johnny's "Folsom Prison Blues" just a tad, so bear with us as we bring you the "MobileTV Blues:"

I hear MobileTV's comin'
Data charges 'round the bend,
And I'm watchin' it on my Moto Q,
Because I caaaaan,
And I'm stuck on the JobChannel,
Content keeps marchin' on,
Subscription charges keeps it a-rollin',
On my Q all night loooong

We might be a tad optimistic in this version, but give it some time...MobileTV's comin'.

In Mobile Video, Are We Ready?, Katie (GigaOM) reminds us of WorldWide ABI's prediction: that in 2011, mobile TV services will have some 514 million subscribers, of which 460 million will be subscribers to broadcast services.

Wow, that's a lot of MobileTV.

And by 2011, it should be a better MobileTV if the broadband scarcity and variability issues are cleared up.

Even in its nascent stages, MobileTV has already been successfully launched in many countries in Europe and Asia. SK Telecom enrolled 1 million subscribers in the first nine months of its mobile TV launch2 and leading UK operator, 3 Mobile, boasts 3 million mobile TV customers around the world and that number has not stopped rising.

So, you holdin' out 'til 2011?

Dell Snags Motorola Executive

Dell Inc. said Friday it hired the head of Motorola Inc.'s mobile phone unit to oversee a new global consumer division, making him the second high-profile executive hired since Michael Dell returned as CEO to the company he founded.

Ron Garriques will become president of Dell's global consumer division, effective Feb. 19, the company said.

Mr. Garriques has served in various leadership roles at Motorola. He was most recently responsible for the Mobile Devices division, a $28 billion global business.

Prior to Motorola, Mr. Garriques held management positions at AT&T Network Systems, Lucent Technologies and Philips Consumer Communications.

Mr. Garriques holds an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Boston University.

source: CNNMoney.com

4 Blogs I Like

Here's a few blogs (some new - some old) that I just started reading.


Wirelessisfun.com
Marlus, Dan, and Mojohito keep this site up 'n running and have been doing so since Jan 2007.

No "About" section to give you the low-down on what they're all about, but I guess the descriptive title is all one needs to know.

Clean format (ez on the eyes) - real-time info - touted as the all-wireless tech place, they serve up industry news (say WiFi, WiMax or wireless USB) and plenty of tech insight. Nice addition to my Google Reader.


jkOnTheRun has been around for a while and it's easy to understand why.

Armed by James Kendrick and Kevin Tofel (two guys who've been using mobile devices since they weighed 30 lbs), their insight makes you believe they aren't lying about the 30 lb thing.

Multiple posts daily with a ton of up-to-date info on gadgets - mobile devices - technology. I like their sense of humor also, and in a blogosphere jam-packed with sites vying for your "mobile" attention, this site keeps fresh content coming at me without content or ad overkill.



Gearlog - a gadget guide by geeks, for geeks

I like this site mainly because they used the word "Geek" in their subtitle.

Actually, if you've got a geeky flair about'cha, it's hard not to like this site. What makes it different? What makes this one different? Their posters are PC Magazine analysts and editors; they encounter an enormous amount of new products and announcements every day, and they know (at least they say they do) what you want to know about (and I agree with them).

I really liked today's post titled Truth and Honor in Gadget Blogs.



I just can't fall too far from the dotMobi truck these days.

While this site doesn't provide near enough content to quench my insatiable dotmobi-soul, I clearly have high hopes for the future.

dotMobi is about the business and pleasure of mobile content, and is hosted by executives and partners behind dotMobi (a joint venture established to support and promote the .mobi Internet domain for mobile content (how's that for a mouthful).

Of all the sites mentioned above, this is the one that I expect will see the most dynamic transformation over the next 120 days. Stay tuned.

So, there's a few of my faves for you.

Now, cough up a few of your own.

What's your four most recent faves?

Zlango Snags Zillions, er, Millions (12 to be exact)

Nick (Mobilecrunch) brings us some Zlango fun today:

Benchmark Capital and Accel have invested $12 million in Israeli mobile startup Zlango.

Zlango is an icon-based mobile messaging service. Users send short texts typed in representational images instead of typing out the messages . It’s like a modern hieroglyphics. Users can also add images to the basic icons of the language, as Zlango has in their press release.

Zlango is a phone based application that has grown through close relationships with carriers, who see Zlango as a way to drive higher SMS usage or by a flat fee. Zlango is currently partnered with Pelephone in Israel, Orange & Cellcom in ESC, P4 in Poland, and bMobile in the Caribbean.

I think this is kinda fun and catchy - but you can call me crazy.

What were they thinking?

As recruiters we often give advice to candidates on topics such as how to write resumes, how to act at career fairs, what to say in an interview, what not to wear to an interview, etc......

I often wonder if candidates are listening or if they think that we are the ones that should be taking advice from them. Ive heard some bizarre things in interviews over the years and seen some bizarre things on resumes.

I've had candidates do some very bizarre things in interviews. I've been propositioned, offered money, been flashed, been threatened.........well, you get the picture.

I ran across an old article today that had some of the very bizarre things that candidates have done in interviews and I thought maybe it was about time for a refresher (and a few laughs).

This is not all of them, just some of the best. So, enjoy a few laughs before the weekend and remember, these were written by hiring managers and recruiters so, chances are they were not impressed by these (just in case you were thinking of using any of them).

1. "... said he was so well-qualified that if he didn't get the job, it would prove that the company's management was incompetent."
2. "... stretched out on the floor to fill out the job application."
3. "... brought her large dog to the interview."
4. "... chewed bubble gum and constantly blew bubbles."

5. "She wore a Walkman and said she could listen to me and the music at the same time."
6. "Balding candidate abruptly excused himself. Returned to office a few minutes later, wearing a hairpiece."
7. "Applicant challenged interviewer to arm wrestle."
8. "... asked to see interviewer's resume to see if the personnel executive was qualified to judge the candidate."
9. "... announced she hadn't had lunch and proceeded to eat a hamburger and french fries in the interviewer's office."

10. "Stated that, if he were hired, he would demonstrate his loyalty by having the corporate logo tattooed on his forearm."
11. "Interrupted to phone his therapist for advice on answering specific interview questions."
12. "... wouldn't get out of the chair until I would hire him. I had to call the police."
13. "When I asked him about his hobbies, he stood up and started tap dancing around my office."
14. "... had a little pinball game and challenged me to play with him."
15. "... bounced up and down on my carpet and told me I must be highly thought of by the company because I was given such a thick carpet."
16. "At the end of the interview, while I stood there dumbstruck, went through my purse, took out a brush, brushed his hair, and left."
17. "... pulled out a Polaroid camera and snapped a flash picture of me. Said he collected photos of everyone who interviewed him."

18. "He took off his right shoe and sock, removed a medicated foot powder and dusted it on the foot and in the shoe. While he was putting back the shoe and sock, he mentioned that he had to use the powder four times a day, and this was the time."

19. "... she threw-up on my desk, and immediately started asking questions about the job, like nothing had happened."

20. "A telephone call came in for the job applicant. It was from his wife. His side of the conversation went like this: "Which company? When do I start? What's the salary?" I said, "I assume you're not interested in conducting the interview any further." He promptly responded, "I am as long as you'll pay me more." "I didn't hire him, but later found out there was no other job offer. It was a scam to get a higher offer."

So, there is lot's of competition out there for that next job. Be on the lookout for these candidates when you are going to your next interview and make sure you eat your hamburger and french fries before the interview, or at least bring some for me...................

The "WirelessJobs-Community"

Our new Yahoo! "WirelessJobs-Community" is finally picking up some speed.

We've had several "wireless" job postings over the last two days and even one HOT Contract Recruiter who's available in Dallas (courtesy of, Moi).

Would enjoy connecting with you on the site - it's our attempt to bring job-seekers and recruiters "together."

Give it a spin, HERE.


Dennis

Gulp for Google's Sake!

So, you got this Google Gulp thing figured out yet?

Who Do You Know?

In recruiting and job search, "who you know" can make all the difference in the world.

Guess that's why I like the title of Leslie's blog..."Who Do You Know?"

Nice job, Leslie - look forward to seeing where our 6 Degrees of Separation leads us!


Dennis
WirelessJobs.com

The Blogging Trinity's Belated Valentine Gift

Part 2 of Kennedy Info's 3-part-series is slated for tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 15th, and the lineup looks like nothing less than the Blogging Trinity.

Seriously, this audioconference is packed with some serious blogging talent that will not disappoint.

Here's the lineup:


Joel Cheesman




Gretchen Ledgard





Dave Mendoza


You can get all the details on Dave's blog HERE, but tomorrow's audio seminar looks too good to miss:

Employee Blogs: "New School" Employment Branding

Be there....or we'll blog about you.

Dennis
WirelessJobs.com

The Job-Change Checklist

We spend a lot of time talking about "finding" a new job (cuz that's the fun part).

Rarely do we talk about "leaving" your current job, even though they do go hand-in-hand. I guess because of the negative connotation of "leaving."

So when Sherri Howe forwarded me this article, Ten Ways to Know It's Time to Go (by Caroline Levchuck), I read it and chuckled. Why? Because I've been in a job where I was was hitting on at least 5 of the 10, and at that point, it's hard to find humor in anything.

Here's Caroline's top 5:

1. You start to dread Monday as soon as you leave work on Friday.
2. It becomes more and more difficult to get up for work each day, and tardiness becomes a way of life.
3. You cannot muster enthusiasm for anything related to work - other than your paycheck.
4. You spend most of your time complaining to colleagues or about your colleagues (say what?). ; )
5. You act defensive and even hostile in company meetings when there's little cause for defensiveness.

Have you pegged yourself yet? If not, you can read Caroline's final 5 HERE.

If you find it unnecessary and know that your time has come, just send me an email and let's talk about your new gig.

Dennis
T-Mobile USA

What Am I Going To Wear?

Okay, so you went to the Career fair, you collected all your prizes, you went home and sorted through all your business cards and company information and now.........the phone rings.

Someone has reviewed your resume again and after talking to you at the career fair, wants to bring you in for an interview!

YES! I knew that advice I gave you would pay off someday!

Okay, but now what......you already wore your best clothes to the career fair. You can't possibly wear the same thing to the interview.

What are you going to wear to the interview?

Well, here are the things not to wear. (Well, most of them anyway, some are self explanatory and need not be listed here)

The Top Ten Things Not To Wear To An Interview

• Wild Nail Polish. (By the way, this goes for men and women)

• Jewelry that jangles (I might add that if you are in to piercings in places that are very open, you might take them out)

• Open Toed or Backless shoes (I think this is a judgement call depending on the time of year, but if you want to be safe, don't do it)

• Bare Legs (this means wear stockings, even when it's 105 outside. Men, no bare legs for you period, even with stockings)

• Out of date suits for Men (No lapels that are too wide or too narrow. You don't want to look like you are from the 50's or from the 70's)

• Short Skirts (Even with stockings, don't be a distraction. I believe the rule is no shorter than 3 inches above the knee)

• Leather jackets for men or women (This one threw me a little but I can see it. They are not professional dress)

• Turtlenecks for Men (Even if you don't have a tie, at the very least wear a dress shirt)

• Printed or trendy handbags (You should be conservative. Some people differ on this because they think it is an expression of themselves. Don't express too much on the first interview)

• Red Briefcases (I don't know what to say. I can't remember the last time I saw one and if I did, I would definitely be distracted. Be conservative)

Okay, so there you go. You made thought the Career Fair mall.

You are getting dressed up for the first interview.

Don't forget to do some more research.

You look great!

Good Luck!

Chuck

T-Mobile's Hot Job for Tuesday: RF Engineering Manager - Atlanta, GA

One hot job for Tuesday, Feb. 13th:

RF Engineering Manager, Atlanta, GA


Apply online and send me an email at wirelessheadhunter@gmail.com.

Time Warner Cable goes Public ... and MOBILE

Mobile Access, the name of Time Warner Cable's new mobile service, has started selling its service (via Sprint) in Austin, TX and Raleigh, NC.

Here's their own vote of confidence for this new venture:

“We are exploring various means by which we can offer our customers mobile services but there can be no assurance that we will be successful in doing so or that any such services we offer will appeal to consumers. There can be no assurance that the joint venture will successfully develop any such products, that any products developed will be accepted by consumers or, even if accepted, that the offering will be profitable.”

Will this thing fly?

Check out a more detailed posting at GigaOM.

Limited Edition - D. Wade Sidekick 3

This baby is so hot, even as an employee, I can't get my hands on this thing.

Geez - sometimes it pays to be in Marketing :)



Check out Gizmodo's take HERE.

The Yahoo WirelessJobs Community

Since I've got so much spare time (hello?) I decided to create a WirelessJobs Community on Yahoo! Groups that would allow for worldwide interaction focused on "WirelessJobs!"

Here's the vision for the community:

The purpose of this job list is to focus primarily on all jobs in the wireless industry, especially those focused on electrical engineering, radio frequency (RF), handset product development, RF Design, Switch and Field Operations, Cell Site Construction, mobile content, and any IT related jobs within the wireless sector.

While this group is being operated in conjunction with the WirelessJobs.com Blog that I manage and edit in my role as Sr. Recruiting Manager with T-Mobile, this forum is not limited to job postings at the carrier level.

The positions can be full time or contract positions available anywhere across the globe.

Good luck and welcome to WirelessJobs-Community!

Please consider joining our WirelessJobs Community - just click HERE.

Or, click the handy little picture at the top of this posting.

Look forward to connecting,

Dennis

The Top Five

Recently I posted a question about whether or not a Career Fair was an interview.
Then today, I'm cruising the http://www.military.com website and I come across the Top Five things to take to a Career fair and guess what? I was right?

"Pretty Scary Huh?"

So, here they are, the Top Five!

Five Things to Take to a Career Fair

• Copies of Your Resume (They say at least 34, I say depends on the size of the fair)
• A smile, A strong handshake, and a positive attitude. (Duh...)
• A 30 second sales pitch (told ya)
• Information about the organizations that will be attending (told ya again)
• Energy! (Yea, I get tired just watching people walk around those things)

Five Things Not To Do at a Career Fair

• Don't cruise booths with a group of friends (it's not a social event)
• Don't carry your backpack, large purse, or other paraphernalia with you (it's not a shopping event)
• Don't come dressed for rugby practice (it's not a lounge)
• Don't "wing it" with employers (you remember, the what are you guys here for question?)
• Don't come during the last half hour of the event (Lot's of employers leave early, or get tired and cranky, they have been there all day giving out gifts to people in rugby shirts)

Five Things to Take Home from a Career Fair

• Business cards from people you have met (told ya..........again)
• Notes about contacts you have made (good idea, you will forget before you get home)
• Information about organizations you have contacted (you know, the handouts)
• A better sense of your career options (Think about which ones are really a good fit)
• Self-Confidence in interacting with employer representatives (whether you know it or not, you just honed your interview skills)

So, with the Career Fair season heavy upon us, pick up the paper, search the Internet, and find out where the next big career fair is.

You are now prepared to do battle in the employment shopping mall we call career fairs.

Good Luck!

Chuck

T-Mobile Jobs

T-Mobile Careers - check 'em out:

Engineering - click HERE

Engineering Operations Careers - click HERE

Information Technology - click HERE

Human Resources - click HERE

Leadership and Development - click HERE

Product Development - click HERE

Business Operations - click HERE

Lots o' jobs - one cool company.

Dennis Smith
T-Mobile USA

Top 10 Phones of 3GSM (Gizmodo)

Gizmodo's Noah Robischon brings us the coolness of the Top Phones debuting at 3GSM:




The 3GSM World Congress only started today. But like children who can't keep secrets or hold their bladders, every handset maker announced its new lineup in "me first" fashion. Which is why we're able to bring you this top 10 list of the most outlandish, impressive and iPhone-like phones of the show. Starting with number 10...

10. Possio GRETA
When it comes to ballsy innovation, no touchscreen or banana phone beats this combination fax machine, printer, copier, scanner and cellphone in one. Why they painted it the color of maroon nail polish is a question that can probably only be answered by a regional manager for Dunder-Mifflin.

9. Motorola Q9
The Jay Leno chin is gone, the color is much, well, blacker, and it's a true global phone. Sometimes it's the little things that make all the difference.

8. RIM Blackberry 8800
The jury is still out on SureType, so RIM took all the best features of the Pearl (including the nipple-like navigator) and combined them with a full QWERTY keyboard. Crackberry-licious.Gallery.

7. Nokia 6110 Navigator
A GPS phone with 3.6 Mbps throughput will keep you one step ahead of pursuers, that's for sure. The $600 price tag, however, means that you are being chased by debt collectors. Gallery.

6. Samsung U100
Two words: Wafer thin. 5.9mm. Gallery.

5. LG Prada
The LG Prada is so hot right now it could take a crap, wrap it in tinfoil, put a couple fish hooks on it and sell it to Queen Elizabeth as earrings. It's going to be break-dance fighting with the Samsung U100 later tonight. Gallery.

4. Motorola Z8
A hinged slider phone that automatically switches into landscape mode? Everyone is going to want to try it once. Gallery.

3. Nokia N77
The great thing about Nokia is that they can take a bunch of features that everyone has seen before—mobile tv, push-to-talk, FM radio, micro SD slot—and freshen it up by turning the phone sideways. Gallery.

2. Samsung SGH-F520
This side-to-side and up-down slider with a touchscreen wins the award for the most iPhone-competitive handset at the show. Its Achilles heel? It will probably never be released outside of Korea.

1. Neonode N2
This phone, which uses an open software platform, probably has a snowball's chance in hell of being used outside of the homebrew mobile phone club. But the 3-inch tall, gesture-controlled phone is also a true harbinger of phones to come.

Yahoo Stakes its Leadership on the Mobile Phone

I'm not sure an organization like Yahoo! can go wrong by staking it's leadership claim in the mobile sector.

There's...oh.....only a billion or so of us who expect to see this thing keep climbing. Who cares if people think the mobile advertising phenom isn't going to "catch" that quickly. Fact is, it will...and no matter how long it takes, apparently Yahoo's willing to stake their claim now.

So, on Sunday Yahoo said it has signed up top corporate advertisers to use its advertising system to run brand ads on mobile phones in 18 countries, marking a major diversification beyond computers.

The Internet media company has begun offering its brand advertising to reach mobile phone users across markets in Western Europe, South Asia and the Americas, capitalizing on its prowess in supplying Web advertising to computer users.

Yahoo said it has signed up major advertisers including Hilton's Embassy Suites, Infiniti, Intel, Nissan, Pepsi, Procter & Gamble Asia-Pacific and Singapore Airlines. They will be among the initial advertisers on Yahoo's mobile advertising system.

The Sunnyvale, Calif.-based company already offers online marketing services to a large majority of the top 100 U.S. advertisers. By expanding onto mobile phones, Yahoo aims to help corporate advertisers run coordinated campaigns that reach both computer and phone audiences, an official said.

"This is really about Yahoo staking out its leadership in the emerging space on the mobile phone,"

said Steve Boom, Yahoo senior vice-president for mobile and broadband.

source: CNET News.com

My Jobster Widget

I'm a sucker for most any widget, as my sidebar attests. But I really like this one. As soon as I figure out how to make it smaller, it too is going in my sidebar.

Go getcha' sef a Jobster widget.

Click here to view my Jobster profile.

WTF ... Work Sucks

Ever wonder why something is sooooo popular? Why the topics are sooo hot?

Check out Technorati's WTF (Where's the Fire)?

WTFs explain the buzz around people, things, and events. Who writes these WTFs? You do!

Anyone can write one on any topic, and everyone can vote for the best explanations.

The ones with the most votes rise up and the dreck sinks.

As noted in the image, somebody thinks that "work sucks."

Shocking.

Weigh in on the fun.

"i miss u...let's have coffee"

I must admit...I luv sending text messages to my wife and children.

Likewise, KJ knows that it's sometimes the best way to guarantee that I read the late-breaking news about the Smith familia:

"AJ broke arm...on way to doc"

"FJ cut leg ...on way to doc"

"HJ forgot lunchbox...b right back."

"I miss u...let's have coffee"

Which I follow with,

"Itza date...i <3 u"

I just read a post on "Life, The Universe" which said:

33% of people surveyed say they communicate with their date or mate via text messaging in 2007, an increase of six percentage points from last year.

28% of users also report using text messaging to flirt.

For the fourth year, Cingular Wireless, part of AT&T, has commissioned a survey of adult cell phone users to determine how cell phones have affected their romantic lives. The survey was conducted in January 2007 by ICR (International Communications Research) among 1,006 wireless users and reveals that SMS and MMS-based communication between partners is on the rise.

Other findings from the survey include:

• 38% of respondents said that a date answered his or her wireless phone in the midst of a great dinner conversation while 31 percent said they had done the same.
• 28% have used text messaging to avoid long conversations.
• 17% reported that a wireless phone has saved them from an uncomfortable date.
• 12% have used text messaging news as a conversation starter with a date or mate.
• 8% of respondents say they have ended a relationship over rude/offensive wireless behavior.
• 5% of respondents have called someone else he or she was interested in from a wireless phone while on a date and seven percent reported that their date had done so.
• 6% have judged a prospective date by the phone they use.

I am proud to say that none of the above statistics apply to me.

If, however, they had referenced broken bones, missing lunch boxes, and coffee-smooches with a spouse, my name's all over it.

Is Boy Genius Seeing Red?

Nostradamus has nothing on Boy Genius.

His latest vision seems to be coming though in vivid red with shades of pearl and chrome.

Is he a false prophet?

Only time will tell.

CBS Mobile

CBS has created a new division, CBS Mobile, to expand its efforts in wireless technology.

Noting in a news release that the unit, to be headed by Cyriac Roeding, intends to "create new wireless opportunities beyond just those for cell phones," it said that it is currently working with CBS's billboard company on interactive Wi-Fi billboards.

The site looks pretty cool, and there's no surprise that Letterman gets front billing.

I'm just waiting on the interactive wi-fi billboard.

source: contractmusic.com

Alcatel-Lucent Plans to Cut 12,500 Jobs

Hey John Brown, what's up with the layoffs at Alcatel-Lucent? I've got a Recruiter job open in Chicago if you are interested? Hint - hint - wink - wink

Check out the Forbes.com low-down on Alcatel-Lucent, HERE.

The Yahoo Yodler Has Clogged Pipes (still)

I was all set to give Yahoo Pipes a twirl, but it seems the pipes are clogged....bummer.

Yahoo! describes Pipes as "an interactive feed aggregator and manipulator" that allows you to "create feeds that are more powerful, useful and relevant."

Tim O'Reilly (O'Reilly Radar) has this stuff down pat, so I'll let him give you the real low-down on the Pipes (click HERE for the Timster).

I'll keep trying to get through the clog, but I believe this job is much larger than the Yahoo! Plumber anticipated.

Dennis
WirelessJobs.com

*Update: O'Reilly Radar has follow-up posts that give further clarification to Yahoo's Pipes, HERE, and HERE.

Finding Your Perfect Career: The Complete Tool-Kit

Great advice is hard to come by these days.

Great (free) advice about "how to find a job" is even harder!

Two of the best recruiting and career development websites have teamed up to provide you quick, easy-to-understand and free advice:

Steven Rothberg, President of CollegeRecruiter.com and Jason Alba, Founder of JibberJobber will sponsor a teleconference series featuring......(drumroll please).....

Susan Strayer, former corporate HR professional, recruiter, career coach and author of The Right Job, Right Now: The Complete Toolkit For Finding Your Perfect Career.

The series is designed to reach out to job seekers during the spring job search season.

The Spring Career Teleconference Series is completely free to any and all job-seekers and will feature Susan covering the most important, burning issues for any job seeker:

"Help! I still don't know what kind of career I want."
- Monday, February 12 at 8:00 p.m. EST (7:00 p.m. CT, 5:00 p.m. PT) or Wednesday, February 28 at 8:00 p.m. EST (7:00 p.m. CT, 5:00 p.m. PT)

"How do I start my job or internship search?"
- Wednesday, March 14 at 8:00 p.m. EST (7:00 p.m. CT, 5:00 p.m. PT) or Monday, March 26 at 8:00 p.m. EST (7:00 p.m. CT, 5:00 p.m. PT)

"How do I prepare to start my new job or internship?"
- Monday, April 9 at 8:00 p.m. EST (7:00 p.m. CT, 5:00 p.m. PT) or Wednesday, April 25 at 8:00 p.m. EST (7:00 p.m. CT, 5:00 p.m. PT)

Registration for job-seekers is simple and free.

Visit: http://www.jibberjobber.com/teleseminar/ to register and submit your job-seeking questions or concerns ahead of time.

Each interactive teleconference will last 45 minutes and will break for live questions as well.

Space is limited - register today.

Regional Engineering Recruiter, T-Mobile USA (Chicago, IL)

So, Recruiter....how daring are you?

Daring enough to jump out of an airplane at 30k feet?

At T-Mobile, we'll never ask you to jump out of a moving object.

But we won't be surprised when your customers describe you in the same way they recently described our own super-recruiter Jodi:

She's faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive! Able to leap tall buildings at a single bound!

So, you got what it takes to be a T-Mobile Recruiter?

Our next super-hero will join our team in Chicago and support our Engineering and Network Operations organization.

Preferred candidates will have a strong telecom background with a thorough understanding of wireless networks and protocol (GSM and/or UMTS). Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, presentation) are required, as well as the experience to deliver world-class customer service to VP-level customers within the region.

T-Mobile USA offers an outstanding benefits package, employee and spouse phone and service programs, and the best Paid-Time Off (PTO) package in the industry.

This position currently resides at our facility located at 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. However, these offices will soon be relocating to either the Itasca or Oak Brook areas.

If you have an interest in this opportunity, please forward your resume to Dennis Smith @ wirelessheadhunter@gmail.com.

Please include a cover letter with one paragraph detailing your most significant accomplishment of 2006.

And, if you've recently jumped out of a plane at 30k feet, don't be shy...tell me!

Hearst Rolls Out Wireless Magazine Sites

AS ITS DIGITAL STRATEGY CONTINUES to evolve, Hearst Magazines Wednesday said it is making a big push in mobile, adding several new phone-friendly sites accessible through Verizon Wireless and other carriers.

New mobile sites for Seventeen, Cosmo Girl, and Cosmopolitan are now available in the magazines section of Verizon Wireless' Mobile Web 2.0 service. Sites for Esquire, Good Housekeeping, House Beautiful, Popular Mechanics, and Redbook are on the way, along with additional carrier deals.

As early as 2003, Hearst was exploring mobile sites accessible only to subscribers paying between $1.99 and $2.49 monthly for tidbits from Seventeen and Cosmopolitan, among other titles.

source: OnlineMediaDaily Gavin O'Malley

Resume Hell: Dumb Stuff I Read on Resumes:

My buddy Bryan Burgmaier (Recruiter Extraordinaire) brought this to my attention yesterday and I cracked up!

Jason Davis brought it to everybody's attention HERE, but you can get the full view HERE.

Nice job, Anonymous Recruiter!

Dennis

You'll find jobs in London at Canary Wharf Jobs.com.

Recruiting.com's "Editor Picks" for Feb. 7, 2007

Recruiting.com's "Editor Picks" for Feb. 7, 2007: Check 'em out HERE.

Top 10 Technology Diggs: Wed., Feb. 7th 4:45pm CT

Top 10 Technology Digg's for Feb. 7th, 2007.

Check 'em out HERE.

You'll find jobs in London at Canary Wharf Jobs.com.

Technical Recruiter Wanted: 20-25 hours/week (Frisco, TX)

Just got a call from a colleague who owns a technical staffing firm in Frisco, TX.

He needs a technical recruiter interested in working on contract for 20-25 hours/week.

Email me if you are interested and I'll put you in touch with him and let you talk $$.

Dennis
WirelessJobs.com
WirelessHeadhunter@gmail.com

TechnologyLadder Memberships Skyrocket (TheLadders.com)

Hat tip to the fine folks at the TheLadders.com - they really do a lot more than just send email updates ; )

Word on the street is that the world's leading online service for $100,000+ jobs has announced that membership in its TechnologyLadder has shot to over 160,000. That just might make it the top-dog-stomping-grounds for tech professionals.

TheLadders.com, the world's leading online service for $100,000+ jobs, announced that membership in its TechnologyLadder has skyrocketed to over 160,000, making it the premier job destination for technology professionals.

Nice job, and hand-clap to the nice folks at Ladders.

Just curious, Marc - is the success of Ladders.com surprising even you?

Dennis

source: Digital50.com

Is a Career Fair an Interview?

Well, I've had a chance to settle in to my new role a little and so.........I'm back.

Over the years I have had the opportunity to attend a lot of Career Fairs. I've been to entry level fairs all the way up to professional executive level fairs.

One thing is true at every career fair I have ever ettended, some candidates are prepared, and some are not.

I suppose you can approach a career fair a couple of different ways.

You can approach it as a buyer, or you can approach it as a seller.

If you approach it as a buyer, and there are several dealers selling used cars and you are looking for the best deal, then you may not get a lot of attention.

It seams today that there are alot of candidates approaching career fairs as buyers and they want us to sell them our "used car".

Now, I agree that I have alot of competition at a career fair and my job is to convince you that T-Mobile is the best choice out of the hundreds of employers to choose from however; aren't you also selling your "used car"?

I have had people come up to my booth at a career fair and ask me what I was doing there? Now, what I would like to say is, "I'm giving away free gifts, would you like one"?

Well, of course they would because that's the only reason they came to the career fair in the first place.

Then there are the people who come up to the booth and ask, "Are you giving those away"? Whatever those are......could be pens, waterbottles, stress relievers, notepads, etc. Then they want to know if they could get one for their friend that couldn't make it because they had to work. Wow, your friend has a job? Maybe you should do what they did...........

Seriously, when you come to a career fair, act like you are going to your first interview. Approach the booth confidently, introduce yourself, let them know you are very interested in exploring opportunities with their company.

Before you get there, do some research on the companies that are going to be there and only approach the ones you really want to work for and that have positions that match your skills.

All career fairs will at the very least have a handout listing the companies that are in attendance and should have a list of the positions they are hiring for.

Even if they are not currnetly hiring for those positions, drop off a resume at the companies you are interested in and let them know you would like to be considered for future openings.

Be professional when speaking to the people at the booth. You never know who you might be talking to. We often invite hiring managers to attend career fairs. You just might be talking to a decision maker and not know it?

We also send recruiting assistants to career fairs and I have had candidates say things to them like "I only talk to decision makers".

Well, guess who the recruiting assistant is going to tell about your attitude and approach? You guessed it, the recruiter....... Ummmm, you may have just blown it.

It's okay to ask questions about the hiring process and what the next step will be after dropping off your resume. It's also okay to ask how long it may be before you might be hearing back from the company.

Thank them for taking the time to talk with you. Ask if there is someone that you should contact or if the person you talked with has a business card and make sure you have what you need to contact them or complete the application process.

Oh, one more thing, did I mention that when you go to a career fair, dress professionally, or at least business casual and do not, under any circumstances, bring your children!

Yea, I've seen it all......well probably not all, but close!