Games people play

mlns='> How far should you go to prove your fitness for a job? [View Message in Browser]( / [Add Us to Safe Sender List]( [Content Marketing Institute]( [Content Marketing Institute]( Daily News and Alert 7.29.24 Connect with CMI Hi there, The start of the Summer Games in Paris has me thinking about all the hurdles those 1800+ athletes had to jump to get there. Nearly every athlete had to test their mettle in qualifying events to earn their spot. Then I read [this recent article]( by Erika Heald (a Content Marketing World 2024 speaker) about the “free work” (test projects and presentations) hiring managers expect from job candidates. And I couldn’t help but wonder about the role of qualifying tests in hiring for content and marketing roles. Like many of you, I’ve been a job seeker and a hiring manager. The tests I’ve taken seemed reasonable for the skills needed for the position. I hope the same is true for the tests I’ve given. I’ve always made it clear to the test takers that the hiring organization wouldn’t use their work for anything other than evaluating their abilities for the advertised role. Still, stellar performance on a qualifying test hardly guarantees winning on-the-job performance. Ask any top-seeded athlete who has never earned that gold, silver, or bronze pendant. One thing the tests might show (other than, say, your ability to outwrite AI tools) is the level of commitment on the job seeker’s part. That’s why asking for the test should convey “serious intention” about the candidate, as content marketing leader Yariv Rabinovitch says in the article. In other words, don’t use tests to screen candidates out. Use them to confirm what you think you’ve learned about their skills and potential. How do you feel about employment tests and projects as a job seeker or a hiring manager? [I’d love to hear your thoughts.](mailto:kim.moutsos@informa.com?subject=CMI%20content%20feedback%20—%20hiring%20games%20people%20play&elqTrackId=991C68AC8E4D438FF467DAE04F09E027) In the meantime, here are some resources to keep you at the top of your game this week.  Kim Moutsos Vice President of Editorial Content Marketing Institute [Share your feedback](mailto:kim.moutsos@informa.com?subject=CMI%20content%20feedback&elqTrackId=64550BB2B7DCF779B66C47D5721093C2)  ICYMI: [Forget the Resume — Use Content Marketing To Land a Job]( One way to (possibly) avoid the need for a hiring test is to show off your content skills to build your personal brand. Dennis Shiao explains how he did it (and what he wished he had known then).  Tuesday: [Creating a Social Media Strategy & Personal Brand That Actually Works]( | 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT Social media is an invaluable channel for marketers (and job seekers, too). But it’s harder than ever to get traction. So why not learn from someone who makes it their job to figure it all out? Keenya Kelly, a video and social media strategist, won’t gatekeep on her Live With CMI appearance tomorrow. She’ll spill what she knows about social strategies that create positive brand awareness (and explain how personal branding plays in). Join live to chat with her — and hosts Amanda Subler and Joseph "JK" Kalinowski — or watch on demand when you can.  By Friday: [Save $550 on Content Marketing World 2024 Registration]( What better way to invest in your career than to attend Content Marketing World 2024? You’ll make new connections while picking up tools, knowledge, and inspiration to make you a better, more confident marketer. And you’ll get to spend part of the week enjoying the lovely ocean views in San Diego, CA. [Register for CMWorld]( by Friday, August 2, to get the early bird rate (which saves you up to $350). Use code KIMCMI to save an extra $200.    To change your email preferences or unsubscribe, visit our [preference center.]( Copyright © 2024 Informa Connect, All rights reserved Content Marketing Institute, an Informa Connect brand 605 3rd Ave | New York | NY 10158 [Terms of Service]( | [Privacy Statement]( [informa tech]