Robert Pearl Starks

Robert Pearl Starks

Location: phoenix, arizona

About me

Robert Starks Jr. is a Performance Consultant for MaxKnowledge, Inc. Robert has 10 years of experience in higher education and has led teams responsible for career services and alumni relations programming, as well as community outreach and public relations initiatives. Robert was recognized for his leadership and exceptional results by Career Education Corporation (CEC) with the "Above and Beyond" award for developing his institution's first alumni relations program in its 32 year history. Under Robert's leadership, his former career services team was recognized with four consecutive Best Placement Practice Awards from the Arizona Private School Association (APSA) among its 56+ member schools in the state which contributed to his institution also being recognized as School of the Year by APSA in 2008 and 2012. Additionally, the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges (FAPSC) recognized Robert in 2013 with the Associate Member of the Year award. 

Robert holds a Master of Science in Management, a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, and a minor in Sociology. Robert currently serves on the board for the Arizona Private School Association. Robert is the former Director of Media & Technology and former Membership Chair for the Arizona Career Development Association (ACDA). Additionally, Robert is the founder and publisher of Careertipster.com and serves on the Arizona Program Committee of the national non-profit, Boys Hope Girls Hope.

Interests

social media, career development, training, higher education, web 2.0/3.0, career services, leadership, marketing

Skills

social media, marketing, training, consulting, management, strategic planning

Activity

Share some of your stories of how having an online presence has both hurt and helped job seekers.
What is your #1 piece of advice for job seekers as they navigate the challenges of social media and search engines?
What has your experience been regarding the influence of the web and social networks relative to employers’ decision-making processes for sourcing, recruiting, and hiring? What are you learning from employers in your area?
Discussion Comment
In your view, what do the most successful portfolios contain? Can you think of exceptional examples that students have developed over the years?
Discussion Comment
What is your single most common piece of advice for students to correct poor cover letters?
Are there any other pieces of supporting collateral that you would recommend as beneficial (or essential) in marketing your graduates? (These could be career-specific or general.)
The course mentions URLs in the header of a résumé, QR Codes, and "Search Me" buttons as emerging trends in résumé design. What emerging trends have you observed other than these?
Which do you recommend for most student résumés: Objective Statement, Summary/Profile, or Headline? Under which circumstances would each be most advantageous? Have you found any circumstances where one is a poor choice?
When advising students on résumé development, the conversation must often be more of a marketing discussion than one on how students can summarize themselves. What are some of the best strategies that you have found to teach this distinction and encourage the necessary skills for students to market themselves successfully?
Discussion Comment
What have been some of your greatest challenges in assisting students with this type of résumé development, and how have you overcome them?

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