We like Susan Ireland. We’re a fan of her book, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Perfect Resume, and of her blog, The Job Lounge.

Unfortunately, a YouTube video Susan posted last week is an example of what can happen when the business world and goofy Internet culture come together. Susan’s video praises (at length) actor Michael Cera’s YouTube “video resume” called “Impossible is the Opposite of Possible.” Check out Susan’s critique:

The problem is, Cera’s video is a spoof — a parody of “Impossible is Nothing,” the hysterically arrogant video resume by Aleksey Vayner that became a worldwide Internet phenomenon. In the Web world, Susan praising Cera’s video is akin to your mom telling you that the polka-dot bow tie you’re wearing as a gag actually looks good on you.

One YouTube viewer bashed Susan with the following comment:

I’m guessing no one told Susan Ireland that Michael Cera’s video “Impossible” was a priceless comedic spoof of another YouTube video. Makes you wonder about the quality of her business venture, doesn’t it?

This is a lesson that all business people should consider carefully before venturing into the hip-deep hipness of the Interwebs.

By the way, if you haven’t seen the Cera video, here it is:

Time’s Work in Progress blog offered a peek today at a survey we recently commissioned on Internet job searches. Time staff writer Lisa Takeuchi Cullen reports:

[A] survey … from RiseSmart—a job search site that “caters to jobseekers earning $100K or more and that’s backed by former CareerBuilder and HotJobs execs”—finds one in three people already employed spends an hour a day looking for a new job.

Lisa then poses this question to her readers: “Are you one of them? Why?”

That’s a topic for another post (or several), but for those who saw Lisa’s post, we wanted to let you know that the full results of our survey will be released soon. Stay tuned.

RiseSmart offers nine interview tips for women who want to land their first $100K+ job in a slideshow featured on the Marie Claire Web site.

Our tips, in summary, are:

1. You’re a brand. Act that way.
2. Know the company.
3. Know your interviewers.
4. Go ahead, wear a pantsuit.
5. Make eye contact.
6. Handle sensitive questions with finesse.
7. Ask the right questions.
8. Be assertive — ask for the job.
9. Get contact information and send individual thank you notes.

Watch the full slideshow here.

Many people say “Tell me about yourself” is the most difficult interview question. That’s wrong on two counts.

First, it’s not actually a question; it’s a request.

Second, it gives you complete freedom to say whatever you want. If you’re prepared, it’s the best single question you can be asked.

In the three videos below, Denham Resources offers an example of a GOOD response to “Tell me about yourself,” a BAD one, and an UGLY one.

Here’s the good response:

Here’s the bad one:

And here’s the ugly one:

My thoughts on the videos above is that the points made in all three are well-said. I would argue, however, that the GOOD answer could be much better. I’m a firm believer that interviewers tune out of long answers during interviews, and this is a long answer. It goes in too many directions. I think it’s better to stop after making a couple of points, and to do so in a way that an interviewer will naturally want to ask you a follow-up question.

Brian Krueger of CollegeGrad.com has some good general advice on “Tell me about yourself” here:

Here’s a chuckle: A reader asks Marie Claire’s “Cubicle Coach” what she should do at her next company outing — since at the last one her bikini top came down and she accidentally flashed everyone. CC’s advice: Go to the gathering, but “to avoid any easy memory association, stay away from the water. This time, stick to macaroni salad and Wiffle ball.”

(Hat tip)

We generally deal with the concerns of $100K+ executives at RiseSmart, but with commencement season upon us, we thought we’d offer some tips for new college grads looking to land their first job. Here are some tips from RiseSmart Blog contributor Heather Johnson:

The job interview, for anybody, can be a harrowing experience. It is even more frightening for the recent college graduate. You’re finally in the real world and everything has seemingly taken on greater importance. The safety net that supported you through the last four years is gone. You’re living on your own, your parents are more reluctant to help out, and you might live far away from your friends.

It’s time to carve out a living and the first interview is your first test. Here are five things to keep in mind so you can walk away with a positive feeling:

1. Preparation is crucial. Being prepared doesn’t simply mean that you’re ready with a quick response to any potential question the interviewer may ask. A big part of the interview will come when the interviewer asks you if you have any questions. Be ready to ask at least two or three. Make sure you’ve researched the company inside and out. This will show you have legitimate interest in the position.

2. Tend to every detail. Call at least three days before the interview for confirmation of the location and time of the interview. Find out the name of who you will be interviewing with. Have extra copies of your resume and references available. Drive to the office where the interview is taking place to ensure there are no snags the day you actually have to be there.

3. You can only make one first impression. Politeness and an easygoing manner are crucial. Pushiness is a turnoff. If you’re debating whether to wear a suit, wear the suit. Only take a seat when you’ve been offered one. Follow the interviewer’s lead and answer the questions asked.

4. Be punctual. This is a no-brainer, right? Well, this goes back to No. 2. Know where the interview is taking place and make sure you know how to get there. And get there at least 15 minutes early. If you arrive early and the interviewer is ready to start, this will only make you look better in their eyes. Remember you’re on their schedule.

5. Go short instead of long. If you feel as if you’re rambling then you probably are. The interviewer can only process so much information at once. You don’t want your major point to get lost in a bunch of unnecessary words. Be concise and thorough. This can be a tough skill to master so get a friend to ask you potential questions and practice!

[Heather Johnson is an industry critic on the subject of how to become a nurse. She invites your feedback at heatherjohnson2323@gmail.com.]