Today we are chatting with Rich DeMatteo, aka Corn on the Job, a globally recognized Career Expert, Gen Y Career Coach, and Social Media Marketer. Along with being featured on Monster.com and Reader’s Digest, he was also named one of the world’s Top 100 Most Desirable Mentors. In 2010 Rich created #JobHuntChat, the very first Twitter Chat for the job search. #JobHuntChat provides free advice in an online networking format and has changed how job seekers connect with peers and career experts.
What inspired you to start Corn on the Job?
The company I was working for late in 2008 was acquired by Oracle. Oracle cut all of HR/Recruiting, so I was out of work. I had been a recruiter for 4 years, and for some reason I felt no rush to go back into my own job search. I spent some time traveling and was lucky enough to be in a situation where I could just relax for a while before deciding my next steps. I was on this mental vacation from March 2009 until July 2009. In July I started Corn on the Job as a way to get back into the game and do things my way. I was sick of not being able to help job seekers like I wanted to in corporate recruiting, and Corn on the Job gave me that opportunity.
The company I was working for late in 2008 was acquired by Oracle. Oracle cut all of HR/Recruiting, so I was out of work. I had been a recruiter for 4 years, and for some reason I felt no rush to go back into my own job search. I spent some time traveling and was lucky enough to be in a situation where I could just relax for a while before deciding my next steps. I was on this mental vacation from March 2009 until July 2009. In July I started Corn on the Job as a way to get back into the game and do things my way. I was sick of not being able to help job seekers like I wanted to in corporate recruiting, and Corn on the Job gave me that opportunity.
What is Corn on the Job’s mission?
Corn on the Job’s mission is to simply point as many people as possible in the right direction. I also like to think that I call both job seekers and employers on their bullshit. Both Job Seekers and Recruiter’s like to make excuses, and I think Corn on the Job is able to help shed light on those things and help people realize what’s actually happening.
Corn on the Job’s mission is to simply point as many people as possible in the right direction. I also like to think that I call both job seekers and employers on their bullshit. Both Job Seekers and Recruiter’s like to make excuses, and I think Corn on the Job is able to help shed light on those things and help people realize what’s actually happening.
Why did you create #JobHuntChat?
In 2009 I started noticing more and more Twitter chats being created. None of them completely devoted themselves to the job search and how to gain employment. I saw an opportunity with #JobHuntChat, which would allow job seekers and recruiters to connect on a entirely different level. #JobHuntChat allows job seekers to have their questions answered in a massive online networking event. It also allows recruiters to to show job seekers that they really do want to help. Lastly, it allows connections to be made between hiring companies and job seekers. We’ve been fortunate to see a number of chatters find jobs through #JobHuntChat.
Can students participate?
YES! Nearly half of our participating job seekers are students or recently graduated job seekers. We have tons of juniors and seniors in college that participate year round. They find that it’s a huge help to learn about their job search and grow their online network. Students can gain information about the job search to help them make sure they do it right the first time, as well as build a network with peers, recruiters, and hiring companies from around the world.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part about Corn on the Job is realizing being able to reach job seekers on a global level. My readers touch every part of the globe and I love that.
The best part about Corn on the Job is realizing being able to reach job seekers on a global level. My readers touch every part of the globe and I love that.
What advice do you have for students/recent grads who are looking for internships or entry-level jobs?
Don’t fall in love with every opportunity. Even when everything seems perfect, try to keep a level head. You’ll find another opportunity and you’ll realize it was for the best.
Don’t fall in love with every opportunity. Even when everything seems perfect, try to keep a level head. You’ll find another opportunity and you’ll realize it was for the best.
What do you wish you had known back in college?
That I should have been buying stock in Apple instead of using that money for beer and chicken finger wraps at the cafeteria.
That I should have been buying stock in Apple instead of using that money for beer and chicken finger wraps at the cafeteria.
Anything you would like to plug?
In April I started Bad Rhino, a Social Media Marketing Firm. People can follow us on Twitter at @BadRhinoInc and check out the company blog at BadRhinoBlog.com. We have cool things going on for people who dig social media.
In April I started Bad Rhino, a Social Media Marketing Firm. People can follow us on Twitter at @BadRhinoInc and check out the company blog at BadRhinoBlog.com. We have cool things going on for people who dig social media.
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