Work Hugs

we're back! :) We interview Tim Barry, millennial superstar, and review some HR headlines.

In episode 21, we talk about the HR red flags all over our new favorite show, How To Get Away With Murder.  We also talk about a great article in the Wall Street Journal about Twitter CEO Dick Costolo --how do you handle the typical situation where a brilliant start-up CEO is not executing on a consistent vision and cannot build a stable operational team?  Finally, in That's Dumb with Kristin, we lament the sliding expectations for presenting professionally at an interview. The WSJ article: http://online.wsj.com/articles/twitter-ceo-dick-costolo-struggles-to-define-vision-1415323289

In Episode 20, for Pop Culture HR, we review the new TV show from Esquire network, White Collar Brawlers.  We also look at news from the enterprise messaging space as well as the recent controversy with Jimmy Johns' non-compete agreements with their sandwich artists.  Finally, in That's Dumb With Kristin, learn not to decline a job offer twice. Esquire's new show: http://tv.esquire.com/shows/white-collar-brawlers article about Riva's new enterprise messaging product: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/rivas-messaging-app-flock-to-compete-with-skype-yammer-and-slack/articleshow/43365495.cms the Jimmy Johns topic: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/17/jimmy-johns-noncompete-map_n_6005598.html

In episode 19, we talk HR Current Events with the latest efforts to unionize the VW plant in Chattanooga.  In HR Pop Culture, we look at the the labor market in Portland, Oregon, where the TV show Portlandia says is the place where young people go to retire.  We also answer a great questions for Superfan #5, and our look out for Superfan #6. Finally, in That's Dumb with Kristin, we wonder why some people always talk on the surface during an interview. Article on unionizing efforts at VW plant: http://online.wsj.com/articles/uaw-sets-up-local-at-volkswagen-in-tennessee-1410975613?KEYWORDS=uaw New York Times article about Portland: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/21/magazine/will-portland-always-be-a-retirement-community-for-the-young.html?module=Search&mabReward=relbias%3Ar%2C%7B%222%22%3A%22RI%3A17%22%7D&_r=0

After a quick stop in the mail bag, we go over a top ten list of resume red flags, then a top ten list of resume recommendations!

In Episode 17, we interview Ben McIntyre, founder of Internpreneur, a new company in Nashville that helps companies connect to interns and design and execute impactful internship programs.  In HR Current Events, we discuss a new court case in Wisconsin, EEOC vs. Orion Energy Systems, a potentially landmark case about corporate wellness programs.  In HR Pop Culture, we discuss news about more female characters reportedly coming to the script of HBO's season 2 of Silicon Valley. And in That's Dumb with Kristin, we talk about that phone call to the recruiter where a would-be candidate needs assistance deciding whether or not to apply. Links from the show: Ben McIntyre's company, Internpreneur: www.internpreneur.co Ben's writing at Southern Alpha: http://southernalpha.com/author/ben-mcintyre/ The Wisconsin court case: http://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/newsroom/release/8-20-14.cfm Bloomberg law podcast: http://www.bloomberg.com/podcasts/law/ Pando Daily's article about HBO's Silicon Valley: http://pando.com/2014/08/14/hbos

In Episode 16, we follow up on some past topics and also dig into a new debate.  A few episodes ago, we talked about diversity data released by Google.  Apple has followed suit by releasing its own data, and we will talk about their employee diversity and the media's reaction.  We saw an article on the same topic of a recent Work Hugs Twitter discussion: World of Warcraft on your resume.  And remembering our college episode, we look at the lowest paying college majors (for enry level jobs), and talk about keeping that kind of data in perspective. We also delve into an interesting debate on "Ban the Box," a moment about removing the question about criminal convictions from job applications. And in What's Dumb with Kristin, we have some thoughts about the trap of Frantic Recruiting. Bloomberg Law Podcast (recent episode about Ban the Box): http://www.bloomberg.com/podcasts/law/ Apple diversity: http://business.financialpost.com/2014/08/12/apples-diversity-report-slightly-better-than-rivals-tim-cook-says-hes-not

In Episode 15, we interview Chris "the Spin Man" Spintzyk about the value of recruiters, and the challenges of working in a field where folks don't always understand recruiting work, which can vary a lot in quality.  In HR Current Events, we look at the Oak Ridge Laboratory's recent decision to offer a class on how to lose your Southern accent, and then cancel that idea.  In HR Pop Culture, we look at Jared Leto's newest role: investor and spokesperson for integrated HR software solution Zenefits. And in That's Dumb with Kristin, we ask of vendors, can you please get your act together before you call us? Spin Man's LinkedIn profile: www.linkedin.com/in/spinmantv article about the Oak Ridge Lab accent class: http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/2014/07/29/oak-ridge-lab-nixes-class-to-reduce-southern-accents/13324159/ and article on Jared Leto and Zenefits: http://www.justjared.com/2014/06/16/jared-leto-shows-his-business-side-by-investing-in-zenefits/

Episode 14! In HR Pop Culture, we look at how employees at Microsoft are taking to social media in a unique way in response to mass layoffs at that company.  In HR Current Events, we revisit a topic discussed previously about wacky interview questions --it turns out Google is no longer interested in those.  We get to interview social media maven and HR pro Justin Harris about the decision to get an MBA.  And in That's Dumb with Kristin, we talk about that awkward moment when a candidate formerly accepts an offer, then backs out. The Microsoft employee blog: http://minimsft.blogspot.com/2014/07/18000-microsoft-jobs-gone-eventually.html The article about Google's interview questions: http://www.businessinsider.com.au/google-hiring-practices-interviews-2014-7 and all of Justin Harris' online greatness: http://about.me/justin.harris

In episode 13, we talk about the latest power struggle at American Apparel between former CEO Dov Charney and the Board of Directors, a story with a long sexual harassment back story.  We also talk about the employee implications of the recent Hobby Lobby decision from the Supreme Court.  We interview Rick Zadd, Director of Operations at the Nashville Academy of Computer Science, a public charter school opening this fall in Nashville.  Rick is a former business grad and sales guy who talks with us about the much-desired transition from corporate to nonprofit work. Finally, in That's Dumb with Kristin, we wonder, why is it so hard to beleive that cost of living is much different between cities when we look at the salary for a new job? the American Apparel article: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-american-apparel-battle-20140702-story.html the Hobby Lobby decision article: http://www.thenation.com/article/180499/where-will-slippery-slope-hobby-lobby-end Nashville Academy of Computer Science: http://www.na

In episode 12, we interview Stacie Huckeba, photographer and videographer to music rock stars, about networking and passion in a creative industry.  Stacie is also a big time blogger recently picked up by the Huffington Post.  You can learn more about Stacie at imagesbystacie.com.  We also talk about the latest social media firestorm between Dave Ramsey and his former employees in HR Pop Culture, courtesy of an article from The Daily Beast, and we discuss the migration of the most highly educated in the workforce out of Nashville per a recent article from The Atlantic recently featured by the Nashville Scene.  Finally, in That's Dumb with Kristin, we wonder why it is so hard to answer the question: why did you apply for this job? Some links for these and other items referenced in the episode: clients of Stacie's: Todd Snider (www.toddsnider.net) and Jason Ringenberg(www.farmerjason.com) bars and venues in Nashville: www.thecanneryballroom.com, familywash.com, www.thespringwater.com and the articles: http://ww

Call this our Nashville episode. Switching up the format one more time (we'll be back to regular segments next week) we spend Episode 11 interviewing musicians and "musicpreneurs" about how to succeed as a musician and also career sustainability in the music industry. A lot of unique perspectives and nuggets that can apply to jobs even outside of music, especially related to our desire to be creative. First up is Mike Fabio.  Mike is a music industry veteran who is currently a partner at Back Porch Group (a music industry think tank), COO & co-founder of Bandposters (www.getbandposters.com) and founder of Tiny Jetpack (www.tinyjetpack.com), a marketing firm for musicians.  One more link around Mike's interview: you can check out information about the space robot contest at www.xprisefoundation.org. We also talk to Dorothy and Jace Seavers, who are the band and tv show Meet the Seavers.  Dorothy and Jace have a lot to share about being happy, creative and successful musicians, even with full time day jobs.

To celebrate reaching episode number 10, we are doing a mini episode!  We talk about recently disclosed diversity data from Google, review answers to our online question about work perks, and in That's Dumb with Kristin: what's up with fake job postings?

In episode 9, we interview Leah Mackey Schultz, Director of Social Media Operations at ACS Advertising.  Leah talks to us about social recruitment and retention in the unique culture and world of truck drivers.  We also look at HR Current Events with an article from The Wire about McDonald's recent crackdown on an employee protest over wages.  We do some HR Pop Culture with an article from New York Magazine about being friends with your boss, in Hollywood and in general.  Peter takes over That's Dumb with Kristin, and we review an interesting resume scenario submitted by a listener. http://www.acsadvertisinginc.com/ http://www.thewire.com/national/2014/05/mcdonalds-has-its-own-employees-arrested-in-hamburger-university-wage-increase-rally/371397/ http://nymag.com/arts/  

  In episode 8, we interview Heather Neisen, HR Manager at TechnologyAdvice, a tech marketing firm in Nashville.  We interviewed Heather at PodCamp Nashville, and talked about the role of smart HR, her transition into the HR field, and networking.  We also touch on another fun event –WordCamp Nashville-- where Heather and we caught some good nuggets from speaker Kate O’Neill.  For HR Pop Culture, we go to online tabloid Gawker to review a recent well-publicized job search email whoopsie from an AP editor. For current events, we discuss a recent research article from Intuit and Emergent Research about the rising trend of a contingent work force, and what we all can do to adjust for this ongoing change in the labor market.  Finally, in That’s Dumb with Kristin, we talk about dress codes, and why tattoos and piercing can be perfectly professional, thank you very much.   As noted in the episode, some good HR legal blogs, and other links from the episode:   Wageandhourlawupdate.com   Blogging4jobs.com   kingballow

In espisode 7, we are recording from PodCamp Nashville, an "un"conference about podcasting, technology and social media.  We interview Josh Steen, a graphic artist from Mississippi who holds down a day job and family life and still finds time for a major creative passion: he is the host of the awesome and very popular podcast, Just Us Geeks. In current events, we talk about LinkedIn's recently announced expanded partnership with Evernote.  In HR Pop Culture, we take look at a scene from Netflix's House of Cards to talk more about the rules and emotions around needing time off from work for family.  Finally, we have rebranded the Pet Peeve segment --we will hear uncensored critique in This Week in That's Dumb, with Kristin!

In episode 6, we interview Lizzie Ammerman, a 10 year teacher who talks with us about what its like to take time off for family, come back to work, and then consider a new career path.  We also introduce two new segments: Pop Culture HR (we discuss the HR implications of the Donald Sterling scandal at the LA Clippers) and HR Pet Peeve.  For current events, we review the debate over the minimum wage, and how the US might look to France for help in this particular policy debate.

In a very special episode of Work Hugs, Will Morgan, a super fan of the show, takes over. Will interviews Peter and Kristin about their stories and perspectives on HR and recruiting. Then we take the microphone back and discuss an article from Bloomberg News about pockets of labor shortage in the United States right now and possible solutions and strategies for companies facing a labor shortage.

In episode #4, we interview Ben Hummel, a recent Vanderbilt University graduate who just completed a double-major degree in Violin and also Human & Organizational Development.  Ben shares his story as a new grad in the job market, and we talk about the unique challenges of being new in the workforce.  We also review the answers you provided to our poll question: if you won the lottery, but had to work to get the money, what would you do?  Finally, we take a cue from HR blog www.blogging4jobs.com and their recent series on #BigDataHR to talk about the power and peril of using HR analytics as a predictive tool.

In our third episode, we talk to Sara McManigal, Director of Talent with Emma, an email marketing agency in Nashville.  We talk retention, culture and hear her story.  We also talk about the online talent bidding platform Hired.Com, and review your responses to our poll question about your ideal work environment.