The Key to Networking: Connect Early and Often

AUTHOR’S POST

Mandy Moody

ACFE Social Media Specialist

Most of the networking I do these days involves retweeting, forwarding, following and the occasional post that just happens to run longer than 140 characters. And, I have to admit, I often forget the value of conversing with a peer and sharing ideas the good old-fashioned way: face to face. This kind of networking is a crucial component of successful career growth, and one of the biggest benefits of the ACFE Annual Fraud Conference & Exhibition, June 17-22 in Orlando,is the opportunity for anti-fraud professionals to connect with one another… in person.

Prior to even setting foot in Orlando, you can connect with other attendees through the ACFE’s social media channels. By joining the 23rd Annual Fraud Conference group on LinkedIn, you can discuss hot topics, connect with other attendees and learn more about speakers and sessions. You can also like the ACFE’s Facebook page and follow the ACFE on Twitter to get the latest conference updates before, during and after the event. (For the most real-time updates, search the hashtag #fraudconf on Twitter.)

Beginning with Sunday evening’s Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall and culminating in Tuesday evening’s Networking Reception, you will be able to mingle with presenters, employers and exhibitors, helping to build lasting connections that you can take with you when you leave. The atmosphere is professional, yet relaxed. ACFE staff is always on-hand to answer questions and help introduce you to your colleagues, if desired.

With nearly 2,300 attendees expected, the ACFE Annual Fraud Conference offers you the chance to meet a diverse group of professionals from around the world. However, the Conference also creates more focused opportunities to bring together attendees in the same industries. Opportunities to network with like-minded professionals will be available at specially marked tables in the Conference general sessions, working lunches and an industry networking lounge located in the Exhibit Hall.

New Conference Mobile App

New this year, you will be able to stay informed on the go by downloading a Conference mobile app. Among the many features are the Conference agenda, session descriptions, venue map, social media connection and an exhibitor directory. 

3 Ways to Stand Out from the Crowd to a Hiring Manager

PART ONE INTERVIEW WITH KATHY LAVINDER

Executive Search Specialist and Career Coach at the 23rd Annual ACFE Fraud Conference & Exhibition, June 17-22, in Orlando, Fla.

What is the biggest hurdle you see facing those attempting to find a job in today’s market?

Without a doubt the biggest hurdle to finding a new job in today’s market is that there is so much competition for every opening. Millions of people lost jobs in the recession, and many people are still trying to re-enter the work force. Millions more are trying to make a job change. A recent survey of 250,000 people by The Ladders found that more than 60 percent of the respondents want to change jobs now that the economy is improving. Other surveys indicate that job seekers would be willing to make a lateral move just to get into a new company. And many have the attitude that it does not have to be a promotion to bring a new challenge. 

All of this pent-up demand means that the candidate pool for every job will be full to overflowing. Job seekers need to think about how they can stand out from their competition and receive serious consideration by HR gatekeepers and, ultimately, by hiring managers.

There is no one way to stand out; there are many approaches to try:

1. Make a business case: I encourage candidates to put together a résumé that makes a business case for the particular job they’re seeking. I’ve seen candidates create spreadsheets with metrics that measure how they align with particular job specifications. Clearly, it is more work to tailor a résumé to an opening or create a spreadsheet that details how you match the role, but these tactics can help. 
2. Connect with an insider: Find “a real live person” within your target organization and send a résumé directly to that person by politely requesting your résumé be forwarded to them. Simply submitting a résumé to a job board or through a company website is a low-effort, low-return tactic these days.     
3. Show YOU want the job: Recently I’ve been bombarded by email blasts of résumés sent by offshore services that circulate résumés to companies and recruiters for a fee. Save your money. I immediately delete those and most other recruiters do as well. If you want the job, make the effort yourself and, by all means, take the time to craft a compelling and persuasive cover letter. Anything less than that looks lazy.

Tune in tomorrow for more career advice from Kathy. Also, speak with her and other career coaches at this year’s ACFE Annual Fraud Conference, June 17-22, 2012, in Orlando, FL.

New Track and Breakout Sessions at ACFE Annual Fraud Conference

PRESIDENT’S POST

James D. Ratley, CFE

ACFE President and CEO

In a few months, I will pack my bags and board a plane bound for the most magical place on earth. No, I’m not referring to Disney World, but rather one of my favorite annual events, the 23rd Annual ACFE Fraud Conference and Exhibition in Orlando, Fla., June 17-22.

As you look through the planned events at FraudConference.com, I hope you are as excited as I am to find a unique combination of world-class speakers, relevant educational sessions and unparalleled networking opportunities. I am confident attendees will walk away with the most current anti-fraud resources, connections, tools and knowledge available anywhere in the world.

More than 50 countries will be represented this year in Orlando. To that end, we have added breakout sessions and topics that address international trends and regulations to keep in stride with the global challenges all anti-fraud professionals face.

We have also added an additional education track titled, “Professional Development: Taking Your Career to the Next Level.” We are certain that you will find these sessions valuable no matter what stage you are at in your career. Whether you are opening your own practice, developing your team, managing clients or just starting out as a CFE, this track has something for you.

You may see me chatting with attendees in the hallways throughout the week. If you do, I hope you will stop and introduce yourself. I would welcome the opportunity to meet you and learn more about your needs as an anti-fraud professional.

Find more details about the ACFE Annual Fraud Conference and register by Friday to receive $200 off!

Why This Year’s ACFE Annual Fraud Conference Will Be Better Than Last Year’s

GUEST BLOGGER

Kevin Taparauskas, CFE

ACFE Director of Marketing and Events

At the conclusion of each ACFE Annual Fraud Conference, we ask attendees for feedback on the event. We get comments on nearly every component of the 2000+ attendee conference – from speaker and topic selection to room temperature to networking opportunities. We take this feedback very seriously and scour each and every response in detail. What we are really trying to learn is how we can make it better.

I like to think we do make it better each and every year. ACFE staff works tirelessly to upgrade our flagship conference to make it more valuable for our members and attendees. This year’s 23rd Annual ACFE Fraud Conference & Exhibitionin Orlando, June 17-22, is no exception.

Here are a few reasons I am convinced this year’s event will be better than last year’s:

Keynote Speakers – I am not exaggerating when I say that this year’s keynotes will be our highest-rated group on record. I have seen several of them speak and heard great things about the others. They are a dynamic group of individuals with truly fantastic stories to share.

Conference Program – Based on numerous requests, we have added a 12th track focused entirely on Professional Development. In addition, we have updated our speaker and topic lineup to better reflect our growing global presence. For the first time, many of our top speakers from our international conferences will be coming to Orlando to share their expertise.

Shuttle Services – While we aim to hold the Conference in very close proximity to a majority of the hotel rooms, some Conference locations are better for walking, dining, shopping and entertainment. Orlando is not necessarily one of those cities. We listened to attendees and are providing evening shuttle service to some great local hotspots. Whatever you can’t find on-site at the Gaylord Resort, you will be able to get to conveniently by taking a short shuttle ride.

Career Fair – While the Career Connection offers something for all attendees, whether they are looking for a job or not, this year’s new Career Fair is primarily for those looking to make their next moves. The event will be Monday, June 18 from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. and will feature top employers from nearly every sector.

Conference App – This one is still in development so I can’t reveal too much at this point. But I will say that, beyond the basics of the Conference, our new app will be a great way to connect with other attendees and engage in social media.

Just a few months to go…see ya in Orlando!