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13 February 2015

I sold my soul to Amazon and so can you!

After 3 years of working at the cloud computing startup Uhuru Software I am happy to report that things are going amazingly well for me! True, these great things are taking place at another company (Amazon, no less) but good is good so why quibble over details?

Sadly, there just wasn't anything more for me to do helping develop the PaaS (Platform as a Service) cloud business at Uhuru. Now I see that the Uhuru web site has been replaced with a simple page that has little product info or details and that most of my engineering colleagues have all wound up at HP (except for one who is working at still another firm).

I may not have gotten rich at Uhuru but I have no regrets. Just the opportunity to work with such an amazing group of people in a family type environment was wonderful. It was also a tremendous opportunity to expand my skills with cloud computing and virtualization as well as put my unorthodox marketing ideas to work. It was fun recruiting a huge membership for the Uhuru trial cloud service and social media communities with a shoestring budget.

It didn’t hurt that Uhuru was only 4 miles from my house, allowing me to continue biking to work on pleasant trails. I was having such a good time biking to work this summer that I even started a YouTube channel recording my commutes.

Out of the frying pan and into the Amazon fire...

And now the fun is just getting started for me at Amazon. After just 6 months of working as a Program Manager for a team building financial analytic systems for Amazon Retail I can already say that this is one of the BEST jobs I have ever had in my life! I never would have believed that a large company could be so nimble and still keep acting like a startup.

I had a lot of apprehension about working at Amazon before I started in September 2014. I'd heard all the stories about round-the-clock work and burn-out. The reality has been pleasantly surprising -- at least for the Retail Systems group where I am working (I can't really vouch for all the other areas of the company).

I never would have thought working on financial systems would be so interesting, and never wouldn't have applied for this job if a friend hadn't told me to. Now I can believe how exciting it is to build software that lets managers see how profitable it is to sell baby bathtubs in China, and understand exactly how consumer trends are changing every day. Data is fun!

My managers support initiative quite unlike most other firms I've worked at, and my engineer team-mates rarely work week-ends or late nights. It was a little disconcerting to see the lack of process we had in our engineering work, but I now think it is wonderful not to be bound by a lot of processes that may, or may not, be helpful. Our team can choose the tools, technologies and processes that we feel work best.

I had forgotten how great it can be having a job you just love while I spent 9 LONG years at Microsoft trying to work in a machine I wasn't built to fit in. My job at Amazon reminds me of the amazing days I spent back at PC Week Labs in the 1990s. Life is too short to just settle.

I feel so strongly about how great my team is that I am taking some of that initiative to try and recruit unconventional engineers to come and help build Financial Reporting and Analytics tools in Amazon Retail Systems. We are changing the way business is done by empowering business leaders to make decisions in record time with pertinent analytics.

Please give me a shout if you are interested in working at Amazon and have valid US work permits. My team is eagerly recruiting software engineers. Let me tell you all about how you can sell your soul to Amazon just like me.

11 September 2010

job search tales: Making the most of networking events

In this episode, Paul Anderson shares his strategies for getting the most out of networking events. There are numerous social mixers and gatherings for professionals to attend, but you need a plan to really benefit from them. The work starts before you even go to a networking event by 1) picking the right events for you and 2) going prepared with goals and research that will allow you to be effective. Paul also offers strategies for how to strike up conversations, and kindle relationships that will help achieve your career goals.

You can find out about Paul’s ideas and career strategy courses here:
http://prolango.com

NOTE: Please contact Michael if you are interested in being a guest on "Tales from the job search trenches" podcasts. Michael would like to discuss your job search strategy, and brainstorm ways to improve it with you.

10 September 2010

job search tales: Grades alone aren't enough to get a job

In this episode Dan Hallak shares his experiences helping college students plan their careers, helping them develop strategies to build portfolios, and industry contacts, long before they graduate. It's not good enough to just have good grades anymore. College grads have to have a focussed career strategy. Luckily, Dan explains how colleges offer great resources to help both students, and professionals in the broader community, develop career strategies. Students can even "double-dip", using their course-work as tools to build those all critical relationships with the business world.

You can check out more about the career services offered by Dan, and his colleagues at Bellevue College here:

http://bellevuecollege.edu/careers/

24 June 2010

Linked:Seattle Radio: Seattle Job Search Mojo

In this episode of Linked:Seattle Radio, professional recruiter John Polhill guest hosts a discussion about "How to get your Successful Job Search & Interview Mojo back & get hired tomorrow." HR expert, and Linked:Seattle Career Center manager, Lesa Keller also joins the show with Matt Youngquist, a career coach in the Seattle area to offer their advice on job searches as well.

If you are wondering whether employers are only interesting in candidates who already have jobs, or if it is career limiting to take jobs beneath your qualifications, or just want to hear about how to keep your energy up as a job seeker, this is the show you need to hear.

Listen to internet radio with Linked:Seattle Radio on Blog Talk Radio

NOTE: The Linked:Seattle Career Center is the best place on LinkedIn to find jobs in Seattle and participate in discussions with area recruiters, career coaches, and job candidates. You can also check out Michael Surkan’s "Tales from the job search trenches" podcasts.

20 May 2010

job search tales: Plan your job search as well as your vacation

In this episode Cindy Pain explains how a little bit of preparation, and research, can go a long way to creating a successful job search. Put at least as much effort planning your strategy for getting a new job as you do in planning a vacation. Cindy also provides insights on interviews: once you've got that interview, the job is already yours, just don't lose it.

You can check out Cindy's career consulting firm at http://www.lhh.com/.

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NOTE: Please contact Michael if you are interested in being a guest on "Tales from the job search trenches" podcasts. Michael would like to discuss your job search strategy, and brainstorm ways to improve it with you.

15 May 2010

Linked:Seattle radio - Finding a job in Seattle

In this very first Linked:Seattle radio show, Michael speaks with Jordan Shaw and Lesa Keller about looking for jobs in Seattle. We answer calls from job seekers, and share tips that can be useful to all candidates.

27 April 2010

job search tales: Making the recruiter your best friend

In this episode Ryan Lum explains how building relationships with recruiters can pay-off. Good recruiters know the value in bulding a network of quality people who they can call on for information or jobs. Recruiters can offer insights on employers, and give tips that help those interviews go over the top.

You can find more information about jobs available through Ryan's agency at http://www.greythorn.com/.

14 April 2010

job search tales: Finding a job is all about marketing

In this episode Dennis Buckmaster explains how the search for a job is a marketing and sales challenge. Job seekers shouldn't waste their time doing an excessive amount of networking, instead they should directly approach the companies they wish to work for with the same determination, and strategy, of a star salesman. A resume is your brochure, and interviews are the face-to-face sales pitch. This is not a time to be bashful: you have a product to sell, and you have to close.

You can find more information about Dennis' ideas for building a successful job search at http://www.dennisbuckmasterassociates.com/.

08 April 2010

job search tales: 5 biggest job seeker mistakes

In this episode Matt Youngquist shares his decades of experience in career coaching to tell about the 5 biggest mistakes job seekers make. Matt explains how many people spend too much time on resumes and innefectual networking activities, amongst other things.

You can check out more of Matt's ideas at http://www.career-horizons.com/.

14 December 2009

job search tales: how to get recommendations without even asking

In this episode of "Tales from the job search trenches", Marissa Marsala explains how recommendations can be instrumental in helping a candidate stand out. Writing recommendations for others can be more effective in getting reciprocal testimonials than just asking for someone to write them for you.

Check out more advice from Marissa at http://employerandcandidateconnection.blogspot.com/.

08 December 2009

job search tales: The Undercover Lawyer tells job candidates how to use the law to their advantage

In this episode of "Tales from the job search trenches", the Undercover Lawyer explains how legal issues can have a significant impact on how employers choose employees. There are a lot of practical things that applicants can do to alleviate the liability concerns their employers might harbour, but are afraid to voice. In a tough job market it makes sense for job seekers to take legal considerations into account as they search for a new job.

Check out more advice from the Undercover Laywer at http://www.undercoverlawyer.com/.

02 December 2009

job search tales: By the time a job is posted on the web it's too late

In this episode of "Tales from the job search trenches", Kelly Harington explains that tapping the hidden job market requires a lot of effective networking, and how to go about doing it. The earlier a candidate can get in front of a hiring manager the better. By the time a job actually gets posted on a public web site it is often too late to get noticed over the crush of applicants.

Check out http://careermaxgroup.com/ for more of Kelly's ideas on how to build a successful career.

01 December 2009

OB: It's the end of Dubai World as we know it

In this episode of Practical Economics Matt Stiles talks whether the bond default of Dubai World marks the beginning of a run on emerging markets or whether it is just a passing regional financial failure that will have little broader impact. Could Dubai World be the canary in the coal mine, foretelling a broader market crack-up just around the corner?

Check out Matt's blog at http://futronomics.blogspot.com/.

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NOTE: You can view the complete list of Practical Economics podcasts to hear more conversations with the experts. Tune in to the weekly economics round-table discussions to hear the latest from the Optimistic Bear.

26 November 2009

OB: Now we know - the game of economics and finance is rigged

In this episode of Practical Economics, John Berling Hardy explains how the economy, and society, are driven by the actions of an elite group that understand and orchestrate what happens, ensuring they always come out on top. The current global recession only makes sense when explained in the context of someone orchestrating things. These same principals of unsporting gamesmanship also apply on the level of small groups, where someone is always taking unfair advantage of others. Understanding that this game exists, and how it is played, is an important part of protecting ourselves and our investments.

You can check out more of John's ideas at http://www.playingtheplayers.com/.

NOTE: You can view the complete list of Practical Economics podcasts to hear more conversations with the experts. Tune in to the weekly economics round-table discussions to hear the latest from the Optimistic Bear.

Job search tales: The human touch still matters when selecting candidates at Google

In this episode of "Tales from the job search trenches", Beverly Friedman talks about the challenges she faces doing recruiting at Google, and what candidates do to torpedo their chances. Its no surprise that Google uses automated tools to help sort through the deluge of applicants, but in the end a human being still looks at the resumes and having a friend in the company helps.

NOTE: Please contact Michael if you are interested in being a guest on "Tales from the job search trenches" podcasts. Michael would like to discuss your job search strategy, and brainstorm ways to improve it with you.

25 November 2009

OB: Eugenics resurrected

In this episode of Practical Economics, Alan Hall of The Socionomics Institute talks about his latest research paper on Eugenics, which traces the rise and fall of the movement with the ups and downs of social attitudes throughout history. If the patterns Alan sees hold true, we could see a massive resurgence in an acceptance of ideologies to cleanse humanity of unwanted genes as the depression progresses. Already there are signs that human life is being talked about as a cancer plaguing the world.

You can check out more about Socionomics at http://www.socionomics.net/.

23 November 2009

Job search tales: Ask not for help in your job search, ask what you can do to help

In this episode of "Tales from the job search trenches", Kevin Kermes explains that today's challenging employment market requires a different approach by job seekers. Candidates need to find activities which allow them to both demonstrate their skills, learn, and network at the same time. Offering free advice, and help, to companies you are interested in working for can build those relationships you will need to get your job. Don't just send a resume asking for a job, tell people how you are going to help them.

Check http://www.kevinkermes.com/ezinesignup/ for more of Kevin's ideas on how to build a successful job search strategy.

Job search tales: Executives approach job searches differently

In this episode of "Tales from the job search trenches", Mark Hovind explains that 6 figure executives approach job searches in a very different way from the average job seeker. They pay good money to market themselves. Networking is certainly a good tool, but it has its limitations, and highly compensated individuals understand the need to run marketing campaigns. In particular, Mark has seen that mass mailings by post can bear real results in small to mid-sized organizations, which don't typically post their openings on public job boards.

Check out http://www.jobbait.com/ for information on how job-seekers can hire a service to market them, or see the free information on how to do-it-yourself.

18 November 2009

Round table economics discussion - 2009-11-17

In this episode of the Optimistic Bear round-table economics discussion our panelists (Elliott & Jeremy) talk about how the fact the US does not have much debt denominated in foreign currencies sets it apart from other nations which have had gret economic stresses. They also talk about how a deeper recession may not mean a break-down in civil society, but that it could lead to greater inneficiences as businesses and consumers start to keep greater supplies of goods to make up for a less predictable supply chain.

Download the sound(right click and save as link) : Download

You can find all the Optimistic Bear shows here: Optimistic Bear

You can find all the Entrepreneurs Northwest shows here: Entrepreneurs Northwest

17 November 2009

Job search trenches: Christian Buckley says job searches take patience and a willingness to volunteer

In this episode of "Tales from the job search trenches", Christian Buckley talks about how job candidates have to stay busy, doing projects, and work, to keep them mentally fit, and in an optimistic mood, even if that next great role is taking a while to appear. After departing from Microsoft, it took Christian nearly 6 months to find his new position, and this was with a company he had talked with, and kept meeting with, from his first days as a job seeker. His efforts of providing free consulting, and help with clients, for his new employer eventually landed him the job he was after. Candidates need to be patient, and willing to give their time and expertise freely.

Check out http://buckleyplanet.typepad.com/ for more information on Christian's journey in the job search world, and his happy ending with a new employer.