Saturday, November 30, 2019

4 Things Job Seekers Want from Your Website - Spark Hire

4 Things Job Seekers Want from Your Website - Spark HireMost job seekers will visit dozens, perhaps hundreds, of websites before their job search comes to an end. Unfortunately, a lot of those websites are terrible. Websites that are difficult to navigate, unattractive, or out-of-date can deter job seekers from applying to your open positions. Fortunately, you dont have to lose top talent during the online recruiting process just follow these simple website tips. Here are 4 things that job seekers want from your websiteEase of UseYour website has to work well. Forget job seekers. For the sake of your own sanity your website has to work well. This means that all of your links have to work, your site directory has to be useful, and any embedded images or videos need to display correctly. Beyond that, your website needs to be intuitively designed. Your online recruiting strategy shouldnt leave job seekers struggling to find your company employment information. Here are some mora specifi c website tips for making your company website easier to use.Pleasing DesignA pleasing web design goes hand-in-hand with ease of use. However, it is separately important for this simple reason an unattractive website is bad for your online recruiting strategy. Job seekers are accustomed to well-designed websites on the rest of the internet they will expect the same from your company website. An unattractive website looks unprofessional, and implies that your company is behind the times.Up-to-date InformationBeing actually behind the times can be even more troublesome for your online recruiting strategy. Outdated job seeker information is obviously bad. Your online recruiting strategy wont do you much good if you dont keep up-to-date job opportunities posted on your company website. However, its also important to keep the other areas of your website updated. Old dates on company blog posts, outdated news stories, and inaccurate industry information all show job seekers that your comp any lacks a strong digital presence.A Look at Your Company CultureFinally, job seekers want to learn about your company culture from your website. An online recruiting strategy should show job seekers the best parts about your company your company website is the best place to start showcasing your company brand. Display current news stories about how your company (or its affiliates) are interacting in your community. Include photos, blog posts, and mission statements that best advertise what your company is all about. Tastefully plug any recent awards with pull-quote boxes, or commend individual employees. When it comes to website tips, the best advice is to make sure that your company website represents what your company is all about. Thats what job seekers really want from your company website (and for it to not freeze up their computers)What website tips do you have for attracting job seekers? Tell us your best website tips and online recruiting strategies in the comments below.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

This survey reveals the best way to find a mentor

This survey reveals the best way to find a mentorThis survey reveals the best way to find a mentorOlivet Nazarene University recently published a survey of 3,000 participants to get a more vivid picture of a typical mentor-mentee relationship in 2019.Many experts agree mentorsneedto be seminal in establishing a strong foundation for success. Fortunately, the vast majority of participants surveyed forOlivet Nazarene Universitys report have no qualms with this philosophy. A staggering 76% of the 3,000 individuals surveyed believed mentors to be important even if only 37% of that same swimmingpool currently have one.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreIndustries with the fruchtwein mentorsThe study reveals an interesting element that contributes to the popularity of mentorships. Apparently, respective industry and field played a big role. The majority of respondents that professed a cu rrent mentorship belong to careers in Science (66% of responders to be exact).Government follows closely behind with 56% and Education rounds out the top three with 57%.I suppose this makes sense when examined beside the 81% of individuals that say their mentor should work in the same industry as they do and the 61% that said their mentors currently work at the same company as them. Mostof the workers surveyed additionally stated that it helps if their mentor is the same sex.Curiously, careers in finance express some of the lower statistics of mentorship alongside healthcare professionals and skilled labor.The responders that currently have or experienced established and discussed mentor-mentee relationships in the past cite that the average amount of time that they were under tutelage welches a little less than three and a half years, with four meetings taking place less than one time a monthAlthough 63% of individuals dont currently employ a mentor by and large the ones that do sa y they are much happier for it.Developing the relationshipIts important to make sure the person you settle on if you do decide to take on mentorship was arrived at via thorough research and consideration. Randi Bussin, career coach and counselor, wrote forLadders on the topic of mentorship. Be clear on why you want a mentor and why you are meeting.Define what type of help youre looking for in a mentor. Are you looking for someone with similar skills or someone with a very different skill set who can coach you? Are you looking for someone who has gone up the corporate ladder and can advise you on the ins and outs of corporate politics?The Olivet Nazarene University survey made a point to reveal how most lasting mentor-mentee relationships are developed. According to the survey, very few mentorships begin with a mentee asking for a mentor outright. Only about 14% begin this way.One in four mentorships are offered but for the most part, the relationship is procured naturally (61%.)Take a look at the infographic below for more detailed information from the survey.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Do you come across as arrogant 5 workplace behaviors to curb

Do you come across as arrogant 5 workplace behaviors to curbDo you come across as arrogant 5 workplace behaviors to curbMany of us have had to battle the specter of arrogance at one time or another. No one is perfect, and the particularly intelligent must be especially careful about slipping into egotistical behavior. If you worry about being perceived as arrogant at work, read on to check your tendencies and learn about the alternative habits you should be perfecting.Even the most humble have to be wary of any action that can seem arrogant - its the wrongway to get noticed, especially when youre working to climb the corporate ladder.Arrogant habit Acting entitledThink about your everyday behavior and decide whether you would find it acceptable if it were coming from someone who worked for you, instead of someone at your level. Do you hog the conversation, interrupt people or expect the whole meeting to be rehashed for you because you arrived late? If you use your title as an excuse to demand others accommodate your habits and schedule, you could be driving people away with your sense of entitlement.Instead Be the gruppe captain.Rather than use your title to lord over others and demand special treatment, use your role to guide the group to be better, do mora and achieve superior results as a gruppe. Genuinelyengage in communicationwith the group and listen to their thoughts. Team captains arent always the best players - theyre the players who are best at motivating everyone to work together. Use your role to empower and unite.Arrogant habit Belittling othersDressing down someone in an open forum not only embarrasses and demotivates the person in questions, it makes others fear displeasing you. Since all humans eventually make mistakes, people will find opportunities elsewhere rather than stick around and risk being the next person you humiliate in public. Managers should also be careful when engaging in teasing or ribbing - whats acceptable between co-worker s may seem hurtful from a superior.The higher you rise in your organization, the more lightly you must tread with humor that might seem to be at someones expense.Instead Build up, dont tear down.The adage praise in public, correct in private should always hold true. Even when you havecritical feedback to deliver, be sure to do it constructively, respectfully and away from other ears. Dont hesitate to inject some humor into day-to-day life - just be sure its light-hearted and positive instead of cutting. If you must poke fun at someone, poke fun at yourself, but keep self-deprecation to a minimum so people dont feel uncomfortable or obligated to come to your defense.Arrogant habit Being hierarchicalBe wary of appearing to value only the work and the opinions of those higher up. If you seek advice strictly from colleagues and superiors, you risk not only missing out on a great idea but also alienating those who work below you. If you regularly pull rank and demonstrate that you think title matters more than good input, the team will see no point in going the extra mile to bring you exceptional work.Everyone wants to feel their work has value and meaning if you only recognize those around and above you, the team will feel unappreciated and move on to better pastures.Instead Be inclusive.Forget titles and rank, and concentrate on cultivating good ideas and great work. Make meetings more like a roundtable workshop, and less like a one-way information briefing. Instead of telling the team how things are going to be, make an effort tocreate a level playing field. Take the time to explain company vision, philosophy and direction, but make more room for different ways of getting there and be prepared to compromise. Youll be rewarded with a loyal group eager to bring you great ideas and work hard to execute them.Arrogant habit Being inconsiderateDo you pay attention when someone is talking at work, no matter the subject or the speaker? Do you arrive on time to meetings ? Do you fully engage in the conversation? Do you meet commitments you made to your team?Being inconsiderate is more about demonstrating, rather than verbalizing, that you think you are better or more important than others. Reading your phone during a presentation, interjecting when someone is talking, blowing off meetings without notice These all say, I think my time and opinions are more valuable than yours.Instead Be gracious.Focus on the task or the conversation at hand, no matter what the topic. Give your full attention to each person and their presentation. Treat them with equal respect and consideration for their time and input. Be someone who notices and praises the efforts of others, no matter their level. Not only will you learn more and improve your own understanding of the organizations strengths and challenges, youll draw the best talent to you with the best ideas because they know youre listening and appreciative.Arrogant habit Being condescendingThe very smart have to be especially careful of becoming someone who talks down to others. This could be glossing over the details instead of taking the effort to explain properly, or describing things in overly simplistic terms for an audience. Even when youre the most brilliant person in the room, being patronizing is an ugly habit not only will you alienate the person youve talked down to, but youll also put a bad taste in the mouths of anyone who witness it.Instead Be patient.Remember that often, people are perfectly capable of grasping an idea or a situation, but they havent been immersed in the issue like you have been. They lack the background or context, or are processing in their own way. Give space for people to think and evaluate what you are saying anduse your communication skillsto fully and properly explain. Your patience and good humor in properly conveying information will be noted and remembered by those around you.Even the most ingenis people have to guard against appearing arrogant. Wo rk these alternate habits into your daily life and it will become easier and easier to ensure you are presenting an open, inclusive and respectful persona. Note the times you slip into arrogant behavior, such as times of extreme busyness or stress, and be especially mindful when those conditions occur. People will be drawn to your egalitarian ways and help you get ahead.Joel Garfinkleis anexecutive coachand recognized as one of the top 50 coaches in the U.S., having worked with many of the worlds leading companies, including Oracle, Google, Amazon, Deloitte, The Ritz-Carlton, Gap and Starbucks. Recently, he worked with an executive who had received a lot of feedback about being arrogant. Garfinkle designed this checklist to help the executive turn his habits around and become a more inclusive leader. Garfinkle has written seven books, includingExecutive PresenceandGetting Ahead.More than 10,000 people receive hisFulfillmentWorknewsletter. When yousubscribe, youll receive his e-book 41 Proven Strategies to Get Promoted No.This article first appeared on SmartBrief. If you enjoyed this article, sign up for SmartBriefs free e-mailon leadership and communication, among SmartBriefsmore than 200 industry-focused newsletters.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

5 interview tips for seasoned leaders

5 interview tips for seasoned leaders 5 interview tips for seasoned leaders When you’ve been in the workforce for a long time, the idea of starting from Square One by going through the hiring process again can be daunting.  This may not be your first rodeo, but you’ll need to walk the line between seeming appropriately informed and arrogant.Keep these interview tips in mind the next time you’re interviewing for a job.1. Don’t act like you already know everythingAuthor and ethnographer Simon Sinek put it best when he said that leaders should never stop learning. So don’t arrive at the interview, ready to prove that you - and you alone - have all the answers. It’s offensive.Remember, it’s important to show that you’re confident, but you should stay humble. You’re the one in the interview chair, after all.2. Don’t talk bad about your previous company or former colleaguesYou, of all people, should know this by now: Word travels fast.You should be well-versed in the idea that whatever you say to one person may not stay with them alone. So ev en if your previous company was embroiled in a public, corporate scandal, there’s a better way to talk about your experiences  than bashing everyone you worked with.Briefly address the situation, but also talk about what set you apart from those involved.3. Show that you have a lot to bring to the table, but are open to new ideasRecruiters aren’t looking for someone who can’t grow with their position.Each job is an opportunity to learn something new, so you should embrace this mindset in your interview, and later if selected for the position.Show that you can actively draw on the vast knowledge that’s come along with your experience, but that you’re also just as open to learning new skills and viewpoints.4. Handle pushback with graceThe job might not be in the bag just yet.Barbara Safani, an executive resume writer, career coach, author, and owner of Career Solvers, writes on LinkedIn that you should “anticipate obstacles.”“Hiring managers may be resistant to a candi date who has been with the same company for 20 years or has been out of the workforce for 10 years. Have stories of success ready that show that while you were with one company for a long time, you held different roles, worked for many different people, or went through business process changes that required you to be flexible and manage change,” Safani writes. “If you are returning to work, focus on the skills acquired during your time away from corporate America that have allowed you to grow and are important to a prospective employer’s current business needs.”5. Know your placeResist the urge to run the interview yourself.Jenny Foss, founder CEO of JobJenny.com,  an author, and career strategist,  writes in The Muse that when you’re interviewing (after years of screening candidates yourself), you should “let the interviewer take charge (but, actively participate).”“As you settle in for an interview, remind yourself that - this time - you’re not the one conduct ing it. It’s sometimes hard for business leaders to shift into that alternative role, but it’s important that you do so. Let the interviewer do his or her job, but don’t be a doormat,” Foss says.

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Skilled Trades Resume Template 2018s Top Format

Skilled Trades Resume Template â€" 2018’s Top Format Skilled Trades Resume Template - 2018’s Top Format What Its Like to Work in the Skilled Trades FieldConcrete mason. Labor supervisor. Instrument maker. Floor covering installer. Carpenter. Master Electrician. Boiler Operator. Roofer. CAD Specialist.What all these professions have in common is they are skilled trades. Each requires unique talent and specialized training that have hiring managers scrambling to fill slots. Candidates want to make sure their skilled trades resume carefully delineates accredited college or vocational training, necessary licensing and certification, and the hands-on experience that will get the top salaries.The prospects a skilled trades resume can open up are too vast to list here. Suffice it to say, there likely isnt an enterprise in existence that isnt utilizing one of these professionals every day. From gunsmithing to camera repair to construction, the candidate who can prove their value is going to have a promising career.Benefits of Working in the Skilled Trades FieldWith so many sectors in this fiel d, the greatest benefit is a candidate can find a career that aligns with their lifestyle, background, and education. Many of these positions are awarded from other entry-level positions and on-the-job training. How much time and money you can afford to allot to training can be determined by the career a candidate chooses to pursue.The typical tradesmen can be needed any hour of the day or day of the week. This means flexible schedules. These professionals can work independently on projects, enhancing their experience, reputation, and growing their salary along the way.These are also great opportunities for individuals that arent necessarily interested in working behind a desk or in a conventional office environment.Why You Need a ResumeWhether youre a plumber, painter, or refrigeration mechanic, a good skilled trades resume goes a long way to getting the best prospects. Remember, while your unique skill makes you a commodity to hiring managers, it can also mean a smaller group of c andidates applying for the same opportunities. The skilled trades resume and cover letter are going to be your introduction and your best chance of getting the interview.Skilled Trades Resume TemplatesAutomotive and Motor VehiclesConstructionGardening and LandscapingInstallation and RepairCrafts People and ArtisansLoggingWaste and RecyclingSkilled Trades Resume Questions  1. What is the best design for a skilled trades resume?An effective skilled trades resume should have an organized and straightforward layout that is easy for hiring managers and recruiters to skim. Look for a template that starts with a header with room for contact information and a summary statement or an objective statement (if you are just starting out in your trade).Devote the remainder of the document to your experience, education, and training. Reference a skilled trades resume sample that is suitable for your background and the job you want.2. What goes in the qualifications section of a skilled trades resu me?Customize the qualifications section of your resume for your trade and the type of position you are seeking. Dont list any skills in your document that are not relevant to the position you are seeking. If you are not sure what to include, take a look at a skilled trades resume sample for the type of job you want. You should also carefully read the job description for the specific position you are seeking and identify keywords to use in your document.3. Whats the best format for a resume: PDF, MS Word, or txt?Ideally, employers should specify which file format they prefer. Check the description of the position for which you are applying. If you are still not sure, contact the poster of the job advertisement for clarification. Our skilled trades resume sample and resume builder enable you to effortlessly create a polished document and save it in any of these standard file formats.Resumes saved in PDF or Word allow for customized formatting, whereas a txt file consists of simple tex t. Depending on whether you are submitting file attachments or entering information into a digital application with form fields, employers may prefer or require a certain format.4. Whats the best way to list certifications on your skilled trades resume?Certifications can be essential for occupations in the skilled trades. You have several choices when it comes to listing certifications on your resume. Mention required certifications in your summary statement to address your credentials right off the bat. You can also list certifications in the education section. Refer to a skilled trades resume sample for the type of job you are seeking to see ways to include certifications and licenses. You also have the option to create a separate section devoted to professional qualifications.5. What should you do to make sure your skilled trades resume makes it past an ATS? Using language from the description of the position you are seeking is the most effective way to ensure your resume clears an Applicant Tracking System that scans materials for relevant keywords. Hiring managers and recruiters carefully phrase job ads to increase the likelihood that qualified applicants will apply. See a specialized skilled trades resume sample for ideas about how to include significant language in your document.How to write a Skilled Trades Resume1. Begin by brainstorming your achievementsOn a piece of scratch paper, write down all of your amazing accomplishments and career highlights.2. Find a strong Skilled Trades resume sample to use as a resourceCheck out our Skilled Trades resume samples to gain insight into the process.3. Create an eye-catching header for the top of your Skilled Trades resumeYour header should include your name, phone number, email address, and personal website (if you have one). Make it professional, but attractive.4. Create a compelling summary statementMake a brief statement that covers the most important elements of your professional self. Cover your achievem ents and areas of expertise. Check the job description to make sure it aligns with your statement.5. Outline your technical and soft skills in a skills sectionRight below your summary statement, make a list of your best Skilled Trades skills. Make sure they apply to the job description.6. Outline your work history on your resumeInclude your relevant past jobs. Provide the company names, your dates of employment, and your title.7. Go deeper into your Skilled Trades work historyDetail your role and accomplishments at each position in 3 to 5 bullet points. Keep the job description in mind as you do so. Refer to the list you made in step one.8. Provide your education at the bottomCover the highest degree you earned, where you obtained it, and what year you finished (or will finish).

Monday, November 18, 2019

10 Rules for Dating a Co-Worker This Winter

10 Rules for Dating a Co-Worker This Winter 10 Rules for Dating a Co-Worker This Winter As the temperatures drop, many singles are searching for someone special to snuggle with on winter nights. You know, a “winter boyfriend,” a “seasonal someone” or a “winter bae.” However, some are taking these relationships to the next level by dating a co-worker. Gasp! Yes, the taboo often becomes popular  as snow falls and holiday parties pop up. When you are dating a co-worker , beware of adding more complications to the mix. But, this doesn’t mean that is impossible to have a romantic relationship with a co-worker. You just need to go about things a bit differently than you would if you were dating someone you don’t work with. While there are no hard and fast rules about dating co-workers, there are some unwritten rules that you should take heed of in order to be able to properly balance your work life and your romantic life. The most important rule about dating in the workplace is do not date your boss. There are several good reasons for this. First, if the relationship doesn’t work out, there could be a lot of tension. Also, some of your co-workers are likely to become resentful, and if you receive any perks, bonuses, promotions, etc., they may think that you are just getting special favors or preferential treatment because of your relationship status. Many people make the mistake of dating certain co-workers because they think it is going to help them to get ahead in the workplace . Not only is this a sure-fire way to make a lot of enemies at work, even if you do get ahead, you won’t be doing so on your own merits. If you are going to move up the company ladder, do it on your own. If you get there because of a relationship, you might just find yourself going back down the ladder once the relationship fizzles out. It is never a good idea to rush into any romantic relationship, especially when it involves a co-worker. No matter how attracted you are to the other person, don’t jump right into a serious relationship, or jump right into bed. You need to take time and make sure that this really is the person for you, and work on cultivating a solid relationship. Spend time together and really get to know one another. Find out what each other wants from the relationship to make sure that you are going to be right for each other. Even though you are feeling happy and in love at the moment, there are no guarantees that any relationship is going to last forever. You need to be realistic about your situation, and be prepared for a breakup, just in case. How are you going to handle dealing with this person at work every day if you are no longer a couple? Will one of you be willing to move to a different department in order to avoid one another if you can’t get along? Are these even things that you want to deal with in the first place? Learn about Office Policies on Dating Some companies allow inter-office dating, while others frown on it. If you are thinking about getting involved with one of your co-workers, you need to find out what the company policy is about dating co-workers . It is a good idea to have a talk with someone from HR to make sure that you aren’t going to be breaking any company rules or get into any trouble by dating your co-worker. Don’t wait until you have been terminated because dating a co-worker is against company policy. Your relationship needs to be kept separate from your work life, and you need to remain professional at all times while you are at work. This means that you can’t be spending your time sending love notes via email to each other, staring at each other from across the room or conference table, or even talking about your relationship. While at work, you both need to maintain a professional appearance, and only talk about work-related subjects. You may be happy and in love, but not everyone wants to see the two of you in public displays of affection, especially in the workplace. “Not only is this unprofessional, it is going to make a lot of people feel very uncomfortable. This goes back to being professional at work. Keep your relationship strictly professional in the workplace, and enjoy the romantic aspect of your relationship on your own time. No holding hands, kissing, hugging, flashing rings or other expensive jewelry,” suggests Paul Gian from Beyond4Cs . You can keep a few dates secret, but if you decide that you want to be in a serious relationship with a co-worker, at some point, you are going to need to inform your employer. It is better that they hear it from you instead of through the office gossip mill. You don’t have to go into great detail about your relationship, but it is common courtesy to tell your boss what is going on, and that the relationship is not going to interfere with your performance on the job. In any workplace, there are some people who you can talk to and trust, and there are others who are going to have rumors spread faster than you can tell the truth. It is best to keep your new relationship quiet in the beginning, until you know for sure that things are going to work out. Don’t tell anyone about the relationship until you are both comfortable, and you have decided who you can trust and who should be left out of the loop, at least for the time being. If you and your romantic partner are involved in a tiff, don’t involve your co-workers. Again, be professional, and keep your relationship out of the workplace. Most people don’t want to end up having to take sides and be right in the middle of your fights, and those who do are likely little more than instigators or trouble makers who love the drama, but aren’t really there for you. The only exception to this rule is if your best friend also happens to be a co-worker. After all, you need someone to talk to, right?

Sunday, November 17, 2019

How To Protect Companys Online Identity

How To Protect Companys Online Identity How To Protect Companys Online Identity How To Protect Companys Online Identity Thompson and Michael Fertik Whether youre a mom-and-pop business looking for seasonal help or a large retailer, your online brand management is more important than ever, particularly as you recruit candidates. The best and most savvy candidates for any position now spend time researching online before sending a resume, scheduling an interview or accepting an offer. They often look for reviews from current employees, search for information about the employers culture and values and research competitive salary information. Even if a candidate doesnt go online, they are likely to hear echoes of online content from their friends and the media. At the same time, many of your current employees are probably searching online for news and gossip about the company. What they find can shape watercooler talk and either boost or sap your office morale. How False Information Can Spread Online The online culture of anonymity has changed how businesses reputations are made and broken. Sites like GlassDoor, JobBite, and JobVent allow anyone to leave an anonymous review of any company in the world, often with little or no effective validation that the author is even a real employee. These sites allow reviews of everything from law firms to retail to restaurants.Other sites like Vault create lists of the best and worst companies to work for, while countless other web forums feature debates about the best and worst local and regional employers. These sites are designed to rank highly in a Google search for the name of your company and often appear in the first few positions for searches that include your company name and terms like reviews, careers, or employees. Just one false, misleading, incomplete, or outdated review can impact how potential employees see your company.Additionally, web searchers often look at the first three search results that appear in Google and may form their initial impressions about your company based entirely on those results. Whats worse, false information in these sites can create an echo chamber effect: tidbits of false information that appear high in your search results are often copied from one site to another until they are taken as truth.Once you get a reputation as a bad employer, it is often self-sustaining. Taking Control of your Companys Online Reputation It is possible to take back control of your companys online brand management and your hiring process.The first step is finding what is out there about your company.Run a Google search for your own companys name, plus common search phrases like reviews, careers, salary, and employees. Repeat the search in other search engines like Bing. Next, check the major employer review sites mentioned above for reviews of your company; if you find inappropriate content, you can sometimes ask for it to be removed as a violation of the sites Terms of Service. Finally, search on your own personal name, as well as the name of senior management and hiring personnel.Many candidates will use Google to research the people they will be interviewing with, as well as senior management.Other candidates will also check Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites. Run a search for the name of each person who is listed as management or might be interviewing candidates and note what you find. No matter what you discover (and especially if you find false, misleading, outdated, or negative information), you need to take control of your search results.One of the easiest first steps is to simply encourage happy employees to post truthful reviews on job review sites.Most employers find that a simple reminder is enough to get many content employees to share their experiences; anything further (such as a monetary reward) creates complex issues surrounding disclosure and reliability.Stick with the basics. Next, build your companys online presence.If you have not already done so, building a social media presence through sites like Facebook and Twitter can help provide positive search results to allow you to spread your side of the story and block falsehoods from entering the top 10 Google results. Author Bios Michael Fertik is the founder and CEO of ReputationDefender, the worlds first comprehensive online reputation management and privacy company with customers in over 50 countries. A graduate of Harvard Law School, Michael serves on the advisory board of the Internet Keep Safe Coalition. David Thompson is general counsel and Chief Privacy Officer of ReputationDefender. He is a graduate of Yale University and Stanford Law School. His expertise ranges from founding his first Internet business in 1997 to advising seed-stage startups to a clerkship at the Supreme Court of the United States. For more information please visit www.WildWest2.com. Follow the authors on Twitter @WildWest2Book.