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

Website

http://www.careertipster.com

Activity

Robert Pearl Starks

Discussion Comment

Video RÃ©sumÃ©

Hi Madison, Video resumes aren't for everyone and they are definitely supplemental marketing collateral as they are not widely used for primary applications to companies but I noticed rather than saying they would not be practical, you stated they were not "beneficial." How would the benefits be lost for your graduates? Can you explain what you mean by this? Robert Starks Jr.

Robert Pearl Starks

Discussion Comment

Cover Letters

Hi Madison, In my experience, when I advised students to conduct research, I found I had to be specific about what they should research and how they should use that research. Do you find yourself doing the same thing? What do you tend to emphasize for what they should find out and how to specifically use the information? Also, do you advise them to research the company's online presence if they have social media accounts as part of their research? Sometimes company social accounts can reveal much more about company culture. Robert Starks Jr.

Robert Pearl Starks

Discussion Comment

Emerging Trends in RÃ©sumÃ© Design

Hi Madison, Do you students communicate particular reasons why they prefer not to have an online presence indicated on their resume? I'm curious of the logic they explain given the importance of online presence and the advantages it can offer in terms of bolstering one's professional image/brand. Robert Starks Jr.

Robert Pearl Starks

Discussion Comment

Challenges

Hi Madison, This is a challenge for everyone because we, as career coaches can help students design and craft their marketing collateral but we can't invent experience! Beyond some of the questions provided in the downloadable resource, are there any types of questions you ask your students who have little to no experience that helps elicit something to work with? Robert Starks Jr.

Robert Pearl Starks

Discussion Comment

Video RÃ©sumÃ©

Hi Vanessa, What do you mean by "proper branding?" I am not sure I understand the challenge you are identifying. Could you explain further? Robert Starks Jr.

Robert Pearl Starks

Discussion Comment

Twitter

Hi Vanessa, Excellent observations! Thank you for sharing your detailed thoughts. I agree. Twitter is an excellent tool for curating education in a particular subject matter which contributes to one's own professional development. If we can only help more students understand this! Then, they could use Twitter with intent and for purposes beyond chatter! Thanks again for sharing! Robert Starks Jr.

Robert Pearl Starks

Discussion Comment

Emerging Marketing Collateral

Hi Vanessa, As the course indicates, a marketing "trick" is that a URL can also be tracked providing feedback on whether or not your link is getting clicked. Have you discussed this tactic to students who may include links in their email signatures, digital resumes, and/or in post interview correspondence? Bitly is a great tool to get this type of feedback and I have found most job seekers in general don't use these types of marketing tactics. For instance, if one wanted to know if an employer got their email follow up thank you - they could include a trackable… >>>

Robert Pearl Starks

Discussion Comment

Advice for Social Media

Hi Vanessa, It's great you have developed a workshop on this topic. It is critical for students to be educated on the impact their online presence has on their professional image/brand. Have you found that it is well-received? How do students react? What types of questions/feedback do you get? Robert Starks Jr.

Robert Pearl Starks

Discussion Comment

A New Standard for Job Seeking

Hi Vanessa, Do your students include URLs to a unified web presence such as LinkedIn or About.me on their resumes? If they include any URLs on their resume, perhaps you could start asking employers if they look at these profiles when considering a candidate. If you haven't asked employers specifically how they use social media (the answer may be that they don't), this might be good to get their feedback. Although your employers may not be directly advertising on social media for jobs, I am wondering what part of their recruiting process it may influence. They may not even be… >>>

Robert Pearl Starks

Discussion Comment

Portfolios

Hi Vanessa, Consider specifically asking for new ideas of ways in which students can demonstrate skill in their portfolios and see what employers tell you! It might lead to some innovative ideas. Robert Starks Jr.

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