Stan Kimer
Stan C. Kimer is nationally recognized a consultant with unique skills in employee development / career mapping, and workplace diversity (all areas and with specialization in LGBT – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender. After a diverse successful 31 year career in IBM working in various Sales, Marketing, Finance, Human Resources and Operations roles, Stan starting Total Engagement Consulting by Kimer in 2010 with a focus on the areas he was most passionate about during his IBM tenure. Stan has recently been appointed into the part time role of the National Diversity Council’s Vice President of Training, and has developed and provides training around best practices in diversity and inclusion execution, unconscious bias and employee resource groups. He received his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth Graduate School of Business and BS in Management Science from Georgia Tech, and was recognized in 2013 by the Triangle Business Journal with one of their “Leaders in Diversity – role model” awards. In his spare time, Stan trains as a competitive adult figure skater.
Company Profiles
What Are Bad Recommendations You Hear In Your Profession Or Area Of Expertise?
I don’t hear any bad recommendations. I will listen to all recommendations and hope there is even one little kernel of truth I can find in it.
In The Last Five Years, What New Belief, Behavior, Or Habit Has Most Improved Your Life?
Five years ago at the age of 59, I decide to pursue a dream and start something totally new and difficult with no prior experience – to become a competitive adult figure skater! This is something that brings me great joy plus is it good for my health – continuing to engage my body and my mind as I grow older.
What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made?
Investing in my figure skating journey. Buying ice time, paying coaches and entering and traveling to competitions is expensive but worth every penny.
If You Could Have A Gigantic Billboard Anywhere With Anything On It — What Would It Say And Why?
Listen to facts and reason, and then act accordingly with compassion.
Making lots of money but hating what you do will only lead to boredom and bitterness.
Stan Kimer
What Careers Advice Would You Give To Your 21-Year Old Self?
Follow your passion … match something your are skilled in with something you like doing
What advice would you give to a smart, driven college student about to enter the “real world”?
I would tell college students to uncover and discover their passion, and then pursue a career that matches their skills with the passions They should ignore advice to simply pick a profession based on income making potential. Making lots of money but hating what you do will only lead to boredom and bitterness.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Going into the performing arts of some type. It looks like a lot of fun. At least I get to do it now vocationally through my figure skating.
Where do you see your industry in the next 5 years?
As a diversity and career development consultant, I hope the industry grows by leaps and bounds and doesn’t get sidetracked by less important priorities. There has been a huge focus on diversity the past year due to current events, but I hope this leads to long term systemic change and simply not the “issue du jour.” And companies should invest a lot more to grow and leverage their talent given the percentage a typical organization spends on people costs.
What is currently wrong with the recruitment process today?
The recruiting process introduces far too much individual bias which harms recruiting diverse talent.
What is the most common mistake you see people make when applying for a job?
Not focusing on their unique differentiators and using too many boilerplate standard phrases. Applications should focus more on the unique skills someone could bring to the position they are applying for, and also detail some measurement achievements to give examples and their skills and work.
Can you give us your most important formatting tips?
Format a resume in such a way that it immediately brings attention to key skills and highlights measurable accomplishments
How does your resume advice change from a 20 year old to a 50 year old?
It doesn’t.
Top things to AVOID putting on a resume?
Avoid using words and phrases that are found on 90% of resumes, things like “hard working” or “good team player.” Be more specific with skills and accomplishments.
How has Covid-19 changed your industry?
In terms of me providing diversity training, I am now doing it all on Zoom from my home office instead of traveling all over the country doing training in person. I found I can still deliver impactful interactive interesting training this way, and can actually engage more clients since I am not wasting time on planes.
What are you Not Very Good at?
I am not good at housecleaning, doing dishes and yard work. I can relegate that to my spouse or paid professionals.
What did you have for breakfast this morning?
It’s the weekend – that means I made omelettes, bagels, bacon and fresh fruit.