Lying on your resume will get you grounded

I read an article today about an airline pilot/cardiologist that had a very successful speaking and academic career. This pilot was uncovered as a fraud when it was discovered that he had not actually graduated from medical school and was not a cardiologist. From the AP:

He seemed like Superman, able to guide jumbo jets through perilous skies and tiny tubes through blocked arteries. As a cardiologist and United Airlines captain, William Hamman taught doctors and pilots ways to keep hearts and planes from crashing.He shared millions in grants, had university and hospital posts, and bragged of work for prestigious medical groups. An Associated Press story featured him leading a teamwork training session at an American College of Cardiology convention last spring.

But it turns out Hamman isn't a cardiologist or even a doctor. The AP found he had no medical residency, fellowship, doctoral degree or the 15 years of clinical experience he claimed. He attended medical school for a few years but withdrew and didn't graduate.

When I read these type of stories I always wonder how it got to this point. It probably started with trying to impress a woman at a dinner party ("Yes, I am a pilot and a heart surgeon") and then when that went well, he tried it at his next job interview.  

I know when the job market is tight there is an little voice in your heard that may be encouraging you to embellish your qualifications. Fight that urge. Make your resume stand out more by branding yourself, building your network, and legitimately increasing your skills.

Lying is a slippery slope. One day you are fudging your GPA on a resume and the next you are pretending that you are a flying heart surgeon.

I used to be crafty but now I love my job and buy from Etsy

There was a time, not so long ago, when I would spend the weeks leading up until Christmas bent over a table of cardmaking supplies. I would get a ton of joy from arranging the paper just so and thinking up witty sayings for the inside of the cards. It was a huge creative outlet for me that I really enjoyed. My husband asked me if I was going to make cards this year and I snorted a "yeah, right". The thought of making a pile of homemade cards today makes my brain hurt. I was trying to figure out why something that was once a pleasurable hobby, now sounds like a bleak chore and it's because I like my job.

I know that this is a weird leap but card making was my creative outlet when I felt like I wasn't able to be very creative in my job. I was a small part in a large machine and there were responsibilities that I needed to manage in very specific ways. I hadn't yet learned how to bring creativity and vision to my work, so I had to find a different place (card making) to use that creativity and vision that was inside of me, just waiting to come out.

Now I am able to use my creativity every day at Headwaters and I've found a great creative outlet writing "How to Become a Nonprofit Rockstar" with Rosetta. In the past, I might have equated life balance to excellence in every area of my life at the same time. I've finally come to the place where I realize that balance, for me, is using my skills, talent, and energy in a way that makes me happy and makes the world a better place, even if that mean no homemade cards this year.

How to Build Your Network (from Scratch)

Last week I gave a presentation to the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network in the Twin Cities (with a strong showing from the Public Allies cohort) about how to build a professional network. It was estimated that we had 70 people crammed into the conference room at the Minnesota Council on Nonprofits, so it feels like young professionals are hungry to learn more about this topic. I promised them the top 9 ways to build your network, so here it is: 1) Prioritize networking

2) Take advantage of the network that you already have

3) Exploit your social networks

4) Get business cards

5) Join professional associations

6) Go to nonprofit conferences

7) Go talk to people

8 ) Build your own frankenmentor

9) Start your own network

If you would like for me to talk to your affinity group or professional association about this topic, send me an email at tristaharris (at) gmail (dot) com.

News from the In-Box

Here is a round up of some of the wonderful things that I have recently found in my in-box and Twitterfeed.

The Chronicle of Philanthropy has posted the transcript of a live discussion on overcoming career obstacles and preparing for a successful nonprofit career where Rosetta and I were guests.

In a recent BoardSource survey nonprofit CEO's rated their boards poorly when it comes to promoting diversity.

The New York Times has a new interactive feature where you can try your hand at fixing the nation's budget deficit. Try it here.

Moo cards are my new favorite for personalized business cards.MOO Business Cards are $21.99 for 50 customized Business Cards, each one with a different design.

Today is the last day that you can enter to win one hour of free career coaching. Buy How to Become a Nonprofit Rockstar and post a comment here to be eligible.