tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78612842972554068402024-03-13T14:23:56.425+01:00Your Career QuestAn innovative blog for job seekersAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08536258357219289853noreply@blogger.comBlogger263125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861284297255406840.post-40068436040192783552018-07-16T11:32:00.003+02:002018-07-16T11:32:40.322+02:00Ghosting is Short-Sighted and Dumb
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Younger people and millennials
are familiar with the term but if you don’t know what Ghosting is, it is when
someone involved in a relationship of any kind, just vanishes; they just
disappear, stop communicating without reason or notification. It’s the
situation of being left hanging and asking, “what happened, where did they go
we were getting along so well. Why couldn’t they just call …?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, I am referring to the
recent phenomenon of potential employees during the interview process who Ghost
themselves, they just vanish. It is not so much a result of ignorance but more
a lack of foresight and those at the beginning of their careers are more likely
to ghost from a hiring process than more seasoned and experienced professionals.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The economic situation in many
countries is quite good at the moment and with labor shortages, job seekers are
in a good position and the tables have turned from just a few years ago.
However, I want to warn people from ghosting out of a process, not merely because
it is unprofessional behavior, but primarily because they are handicapping
themselves for the future.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Economic cycles fluctuate,
markets change but human nature remains the same. Look, I have been a
headhunter since 1992. I have witnessed recessions in 1992, 2001 and in 2009 so
you should heed my warnings, because there will be another recession sometime
during your career. It is very possible you will encounter some of the same
people during future job changes, who you ‘dissed whether you meant to or not.
And if they remember you, how will that influence your chances? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The solution is simple, if you
don’t want to continue participating in a hiring process, choose to withdraw or
you choose to decline an offer – be an adult, take the time and have the
consideration to notify the other side of your intentions, or the lack thereof.
I have anecdotes I can discuss at length when I spoke about a person, that a
company previously encountered and as a result of a past experience, will not
be considered again. As simply as I can put it, you need only consider the
Golden Rule. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08536258357219289853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861284297255406840.post-40609045183497130692018-05-24T10:17:00.000+02:002018-05-24T10:35:03.835+02:00The Close and How to Use It<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">The
sales close is a tool to gain a decision when seeking a desired outcome. It is
not manipulation as some might suggest but rather an effective communication
skill and, whether you are the interviewer or the interviewee, it is a key
methodology to gain necessary decision-making information. After all, a primary
difference between a marketer and a sales person is the ability to extract a
decision. At its root and applying deductive logic, in sales, a “yes” means
yes, “no” means no and “maybe” means no. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">The
close is something we use and experience every day although we rarely notice it
in our day-to-day lives. Here are some examples you should learn to recognize
and incorporate for your own usage during the interview process: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Assumptive
Close </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">“Yes,
I’d like to meet with you again - Monday is good for me, how does your schedule
look?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">“So
how about a soup or a salad to go with your meal?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">(with
this close, you are showing decisiveness and a proactive character. It also
demonstrates interest.) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Alternative
Close (one or the other)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">“Yes,
I look forward to meeting you. Are you available on Wednesday or Friday?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">“Would
you like the red one, or the blue one?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">(this
positions you to win, regardless of the choice.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Columbo
(“Oh, by the way”) Close</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">“Oh,
by the way, did I mention I saved the company money by improving production and
fewer faulty widgets?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">“Oh,
by the way, did I mention that today we offer buy 1 and get the 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup>
at half-price?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">(this
is a good way to make one more impactful point to leave them wanting more, or a
conversation extender)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Puppy
Dog Close (no obligation / money-back close)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">“I
am interested in this job and, if given the opportunity, I will work hard for
you. If, after 6 months you’re not satisfied with my work, I will leave no
questions asked.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">“Sure,
take the puppy home and if, after a few weeks you’re not happy with him, you
can bring him back for a refund.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">(human
nature suggests that most people will keep something they’ve purchased even if
they have a few doubts, rather than to go through the steps to return it. With
the puppy example, people will become attached to it even if it is not perfect)
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Take-away
Close (last resort close)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">“We’ve
been taking now for 3 months and this is my 6<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> interview – OR –
It’s been 2 months since our last communication. It doesn’t appear you are
interested - so maybe we shouldn’t continue...”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">“We’ve
been dating now for 6 years and I don’t see a wedding proposal anytime soon, I
don’t think I want to invest any more time…”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">(this
method helps to resolve long processes to press for a decision. There could be
a very good reason for the delay, but you deserve to know the reason in order
to apply it to your decision-making process going forward. If their decision is
to end the process, you’re saving time and energy in order to move on, in
another direction. CAUTION: never use this close unless you mean it)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">No
Means Yes (the “Is It..” close)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo7; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“it’s obvious that you’re not ready to move forward.
What is it that is holding you back?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo7; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo7; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“I can see this is not the right shirt / blouse for
you. Is it the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">color</i> that you don’t
like?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo7; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">(this is another form of the take-away close. It is
utilized to learn more specifically the reason(s) for resistance in order to
either clarify and present a remedy, or simply gain clarification.)<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Direct
Close (go for the throat)</span></b></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">“I
want this job, what’s the next step?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">“How
can we put you in this car <i>today</i>?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">(when
it is obvious, just ask)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">There
are some who think utilizing closes like those listed here are passé, out of style
or rude. Nothing could be further from the truth. As with everything it is not
what you say, but rather how you say it. Indeed, if you sound like a huckster
you’ll be treated like one, DUH! But, in a friendly or business conversational
context these are not just helpful, but in my view, essential if you are doing
your part as an interactive participant in a process that directly impacts you
and your family. Pardon my sarcasm but, don’t you have an obligation to
yourself to negotiate in your own self-interest or perhaps you can find an App
to do it for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08536258357219289853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861284297255406840.post-22234949287652464642018-03-04T23:51:00.000+01:002018-03-04T23:52:27.801+01:00Part 4 of 4 - more you can use to your advantage<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Part 4 of 4: Close the interview, the art of communication,
interview goal, interview follow-up, references, job offer, resignation and
potential obstacles … how much of this do you know … or don’t know?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Vx3zKGgyrc4/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vx3zKGgyrc4?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08536258357219289853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861284297255406840.post-13379676637502930672018-02-25T18:21:00.001+01:002018-02-25T18:21:12.192+01:00Part 3 ... and it's a good one, it concerns MONEY Part 3 ... and it's a good one, it concerns MONEY and also interview advice to help you to pass up the others who want the same job, but are as clueless as most people out there, about the interview process. Give yourself an advantage. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GxYJUy1GWNY/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GxYJUy1GWNY?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08536258357219289853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861284297255406840.post-82367297205346549102018-02-18T17:29:00.001+01:002018-02-18T17:29:14.563+01:00More Interview Advice to Consider, Part 2 of 4
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here's part 2 of 4. This one talks a little bit about interview
performance and near the end begins to discuss the all important topic of money
with more about this, in the 3rd part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/H37qgq9CLi0/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H37qgq9CLi0?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08536258357219289853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861284297255406840.post-66978420640371234952018-02-12T10:01:00.003+01:002018-02-12T10:02:49.894+01:00Interview Advice to Consider, Part 1 of 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ihd1eAo3ovs/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ihd1eAo3ovs?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
Rather than posting written advice, like I normally do - I am posting video for your consideration. Everyone has to interview sometime, so why not better inform yourself to wield an advantage over others who are after the same job. Invest 10 minutes with your morning coffee to see how much of this you already know and what might be new and useful information, that you can leverage in the future - and please share it with others you know who might also benefit.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08536258357219289853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861284297255406840.post-8055131894412671922017-11-13T07:19:00.003+01:002017-11-13T07:19:47.241+01:00Nothing Replaces a Handshake
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For the sake of convenience, we
forego even the most basic activities. I suppose it is human nature; if it
saves time then why not, right? However, in exchange for these conveniences
there is a negative impact that can and is affecting us. Time and effort-saving
shortcuts have an unanticipated side-effect, which have, in just one generation,
detrimentally affected the soft skills and interpersonal communication skills of
most people engaged on both sides of the interview and hiring process.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">These shortcuts delay and prevent
us from the core purpose of the interview and decision-making process; informed
decisions can only be made with face-to-face interaction between candidate and
hiring manager. I witness that time-savers often end up as time-wasters. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is an old axiom in business
and it is: Time Kills All Deals. If a company drags out the interview process,
the applicant/candidate loses interest with a situation that fails to move with
purpose and sometimes gets distracted by another opportunity. Likewise, when a
candidate drags his or her feet for whatever reason, any earlier and previously
built up interest and enthusiasm the hiring manager might have had, begins to
wane and fades – this is also human nature.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">No doubt, people are busy and
even with all the shortcuts and tools available, they are multi-tasking more
than ever. But I watch both sides with text messages and emails, delaying the
in-person interaction about things that could be easily addressed and resolved
in-person, which they’ve got to do at some point, anyway. Never mind the fact
that text-related communications using a typed word, can be and often are taken
out of context with unintended and mistaken perceptions. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The kind of recruiting work I
engage in means that I am as much a project manager (of the process) as I am a
recruiter. Increasingly I work to keep both parties focused because many times
these processes would fall apart without my active involvement. Sometimes I
have to call one side or the other or both and say, “Would you two just arrange
to meet and get together already”. During the interview process your goal is to
make an informed decision regardless of on which side of the process you find
yourself. There is no substitute for engaging in-person, face-to-face, period,
and no gimmicks or academic psychobabble rationalizations can change this basic
truth. The most important reason for this is simple: the jobs specs matter,
true, a person’s experience matters, of course, but if the person does not fit
the company or organizational culture – or there is no personal chemistry between
hiring manager and employee, the result will be little more than a waste of time
for people who don’t have much of it to waste. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<em><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you think this topic
has relevance and you would like to be better prepared and improve your
chances; to have the information available for quick reference or someone you
know will need it - then no question about it, you need my handbook. Think of
it as a career survival guide providing useful and effective tips for every
step of the job search and interview process, ready when you will need it. It
is recently updated and there’s stuff in it you’ll find nowhere else; you can
find more information here:</span></em><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Control-Your-Career-Handbook-Strategies/dp/8027004918/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499069419&sr=8-1&keywords=michael+mayher" target="_blank"><span lang="EN" style="border: 1pt windowtext; color: #008cc9; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Control Your Career</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08536258357219289853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861284297255406840.post-69521845617716299052017-10-16T08:40:00.000+02:002017-10-16T08:40:06.697+02:00Why Are You There?
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next time you arrive at a job
interview, ask yourself why you are there. It sounds insultingly simple,
however, may I suggest that you are not there to sit mute and only answer
questions asked of you. Nor are you there to offer the bare minimum of
information and say as little as possible. In short, you’re not a piece of
furniture, so don’t be one, which circles us back to the question of: why are
you there?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am hoping you’re there because
you choose to be and you want to leave the impression that you are interested
in, or at least to learn more about the opportunity they are offering. Your objective,
your goal, is to leave an impression such that you will be invited /elevated to
the next step in the hiring process of further evaluation and not the process
of elimination. Regardless of whether you will ultimately decide to go forward
– you should seek to move forward. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">From where I sit and reflect on
the last 25 years I have been recruiting, job seekers are not only less
prepared than ever, they are also more lifeless and mute than ever and it shows
when they interview. Meanwhile, companies are growing more frustrated than ever
with management lamenting the shortage of qualified, interested and effective
candidates. They don’t say there is a shortage of bodies; there are a lot of
people, yes, but far fewer who demonstrate themselves to be worthy of further
consideration. This fact can be a big advantage for the person who wants to do
well and makes a real effort. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I lecture to groups and consult
with individuals and teach them the finer points of interviewing and
negotiating in their own best interest. Sadly, however, more and more people
lack the basic skills to be effective. So, let’s keep it simple; here’s my
challenge to everyone engaging in the activity of looking for a new job: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don’t blend in with the furniture;
instead, actively participate with the hiring manager(s) during the entire
interview process, at every stage. If that sounds easy than why do so few
people do it. For example: you can start by not predictably reciting your
resume, a copy of which they already have. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here’s a novel idea and something
to contemplate: during the interview, using your resume only as a point of
reference, talk about and describe all the stuff that is NOT on your resume.
After all, isn’t the resume a mere condensed synopsis of your career – surely,
there is more to you than what little is described on a piece of paper.
Elaborate, elucidate, accentuate and illustrate who you are, why you are there
and why they should invite you back. Making a conscious effort to do this and
involve yourself more fully, will propel you beyond everyone else, who simply
show up to attend an interview. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<em><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you
think this topic has relevance and you would like to be better prepared and
improve your chances; to have the information available for quick reference or
someone you know will need it - then no question about it, you need my
handbook. Think of it as a career survival guide providing useful and effective
tips for every step of the job search and interview process, ready when you
will need it. It is recently updated and there’s stuff in it you’ll find
nowhere else; you can find more information here:</span></em><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Control-Your-Career-Handbook-Strategies/dp/8027004918/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499069419&sr=8-1&keywords=michael+mayher" target="_blank"><span lang="EN" style="border: 1pt windowtext; color: #008cc9; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Control Your Career</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08536258357219289853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861284297255406840.post-19242390553779491652017-09-11T08:08:00.000+02:002017-09-11T08:08:01.966+02:00For Your Own Sake… <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Have you recently or do you plan to apply for a new job? Well
when you do, don’t just fire off a resume and then sit around waiting for the
call – follow-up. Whenever and however you are able, you should seek out
someone who would be responsible for hiring and interviewing for the position
you seek. I recognize you likely sent your resume into that black hole that is
replying to online job posts, but there should be a source and anytime the
company is listed, that’s where you’ll start. If you use a recruiter or an
agency ask of the representative when they will follow up with you and/or when
you can follow up with them. Now, recognize in the current climate they may
react with a bit of surprise, because most people accept sitting around like a
dog waiting to be thrown a bone. I am not criticizing, not at all. But the job
seeker has been relegated to the shadows and is only supposed to answer when
called upon – like it or not that is where most of us find ourselves.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">But know this: there is nothing wrong with what I am
suggesting. You have every right to follow up in your own self-interest, not
least of which because if you feel you are suitable and have an elevated
interest in whatever job you’ve applied for, pursue it.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 40.8pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">If you applied online for a generically-listed
position there isn’t much you can do<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 40.8pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Best if you can determine the name of the hiring
manager; <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that is your target<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 40.8pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">If you are being represented by someone, that is
with whom you should follow-up</span><o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Granted, some people might react with surprise because most
people just don’t do it. If you’re a fraidy-cat (children’s slang for someone
who is afraid or phobic) about doing what I suggest, no problem, you don’t have
to do anything, I am simply sharing what works for some people and what I do,
as a rule. But key to this strategy is that if and when you speak with someone
you need to have something substantive to say. Two weeks is when I suggest to
follow-up. If you are represented by someone, shorten it to a week. This can
also help you to determine the level of urgency to fill the position, an
important consideration that I can discuss in another article.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">State briefly but concisely why you are
following up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">With a simple opening sentence, introduce
yourself or identify yourself to someone to whom you’ve previously spoken, and
state the reason for your call (which is to follow up regarding the position
title of the posting number).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Request the next step or when you might be able
to proceed to the next step<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ask if they require additional information <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Thank them for their time</span><o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">As with all strategies I suggest, they all have value and
they all can work but they do not work every time. Be adaptable and be prepared
and adjust as necessary. The worst that can happen is to be told “no”, eh? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But sometimes getting a “no” is better than
(hearing) nothing. And then, move on.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<em><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you
think this topic has relevance and you would like to be better prepared and
improve your chances; to have the information available for quick reference or
someone you know will need it - then no question about it, you need my
handbook. Think of it as a career survival guide providing useful and effective
tips for every step of the job search and interview process, ready when you
will need it. It is recently updated and there’s stuff in it you’ll find
nowhere else; you can find more information here:</span></em><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Control-Your-Career-Handbook-Strategies/dp/8027004918/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499069419&sr=8-1&keywords=michael+mayher" target="_blank"><span lang="EN" style="border: 1pt currentColor; color: #008cc9; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Control Your Career</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08536258357219289853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861284297255406840.post-54894153962226131652017-08-28T07:25:00.000+02:002017-08-28T07:25:14.749+02:00Asking for More<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Lately I’ve encountered a few
people who’ve shared with me that they want to ask their bosses for either a
pay raise or a promotion. Perhaps, being the end of summer, peoples’ minds
revert back to work and career. Whether you are seeking more responsibility,
more training and qualifications, a pay raise or a promotion – there is a right
way to go about it and then, there is what everyone else does. Whenever this
topic comes up I ask them, “What will you do and say when you’ll speak with
your boss?” It’s a rhetorical question of course, because most people might
have formulated in their mind why they think they deserve a pay or
responsibility increase but few articulate it when it comes time to talk to the
boss. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">You need to lay the ground-work,
or set the stage before you make your move. Just asking for something isn’t
going to get you what you want, no matter how entitled you may or may not be.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I want to share with you the
right way to go about it because it is never just about asking for something on
a whim with no plan or pre-meditation, which is what most people do. If you act
no different than everyone else, you’ll be treated like everyone else. At least
that’s what your boss thinks unless you provide evidence to the contrary.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">There is a simple formula you
should follow that will vastly improve your chances of success in gaining what
you seek. I love the Feature-Accomplishment-Benefit formula presentation
method. I consider it the cornerstone to any goal-oriented work effort by which
you wish to sway people toward your thinking. It’s not a ploy or a game; it is
a reasonable and professional way to bring you closer to what you, yourself,
feel you’ve earned. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I could go on and on about this
method because it is so useful in many aspects of business. But to simplify it
for the sake of a short article, think of it this way: “Feature” just means
what you’ve been doing, assuming you’ve been doing a good job for your
employer. “Accomplishment” translates to just that; what have you accomplished
in addition to your normal job functions. I am assuming that you have and are
performing well, which is why you want to ask for more money or responsibility.
And the “Benefit” part is what your accomplishment has done to affect the team
or company in a positive way. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">So think about it -- before you
ask for something more or new from your boss, you’re setting it up so that you
can remind and/or justify why you have earned what you are seeking. Consider
that if you follow the formula that I describe, you are giving your boss less
wiggle room to wave you off because you are reminding them of your value as a
good employee – you’re already half-way to getting what you seek because you’ve
shared why you probably do deserve consideration at the very least. Win or lose
you have demonstrated that you are serious. Does it work every time, nope. But
it beats the hell out of, “um, I want more money, can I get a raise?” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<em><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you
think this topic has relevance and you would like to be better prepared and
improve your chances; to have the information available for quick reference or
someone you know will need it - then no question about it, you need my
handbook. Think of it as a career survival guide providing useful and effective
tips for every step of the job search and interview process, ready when you
will need it. It is recently updated and there’s stuff in it you’ll find
nowhere else; you can find more information here:</span></em><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Control-Your-Career-Handbook-Strategies/dp/8027004918/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499069419&sr=8-1&keywords=michael+mayher" target="_blank"><span lang="EN" style="border: 1pt currentColor; color: #008cc9; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Control Your Career</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08536258357219289853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861284297255406840.post-68992065025869365792017-08-14T09:02:00.000+02:002017-08-14T09:02:20.129+02:00That “Entitlement” Thing<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It’s one thing to possess
confidence built on merit, accomplishment and perseverance. But quite another,
according to mere baseless expectations … just, because.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Perhaps, I can’t say for sure, it
is a result of things attained too easily, rewards presented frivolously to
make someone feel good about themselves. But I do know that the phenomenon of
self-entitlement is an obstacle to companies and even more so to job seekers
with an over-inflated view of their own abilities. Ironically, it seems the
younger the person the more entitlement they feel – which to my experienced
eye, seems a little backward.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">A growing problem, and one I hear
about almost every time I speak with senior-level managers, is the unrealistic
demands of young job applicants, who’ve done little more than complete their
university studies. True, some business sectors have shortages and as a result
job seekers can ask more than others – hey, go for it if that is the case. And
I am not diminishing the attainment of a college degree, oh no, far from it.
But the power of possessing an undergraduate degree was greater when fewer
people had them, say, until the mid-1970s. Today, if we are honest about it, if
you can pay for a degree you’ll get a degree and having a degree doesn’t make
the person but, rather, what they do with that degree. As a fresh or recent
graduate, most haven’t yet done much in their profession of choice to boast
about. But now I am straying off topic. </span><o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you feel you are deserving of something
more than others with your same length of experience, you’d better be prepared
to back it up with proof, or in the parlance of experienced recruiters and
hiring managers, have a documented and provable track record of success to back
up your claims. Otherwise, what you feel you are entitled to is simply a
personal wish list. I meet many people who expect a lot but I don’t see these
same people getting the job offers they are sure they deserve.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Hiring managers have a duty to
manage the expectations of applicants as well as employees seeking elevation
and advancement. So that when the process reaches the job offer stage, the
hiring manager and potential employee have the same understanding and not two
people with very different ideas, resulting in time wasted for both sides. </span><o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">If you have earned the right to
ask for something better, because you have outperformed your peers, then before
you interview or talk to your boss, you need to formulate your position in such
a manner as to demonstrate why you are worthy. If you are young and perhaps you
don’t yet have any/many accomplishments about which you can boast, then I have
a suggestion. Get an attitude adjustment and instead of making unfounded and ridiculous
demands, suggest that if given the opportunity you’ll work hard to gain
experience and in doing so, gain some relevant experience and build some
accomplishments. You might find this approach will get you closer to what you
want as well as what you need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<em><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you
think this topic has relevance and you would like to be better prepared and
improve your chances; to have the information available for quick reference or
someone you know will need it - then no question about it, you need my
handbook. Think of it as a career survival guide providing useful and effective
tips for every step of the job search and interview process, ready when you
will need it. It is recently updated and there’s stuff in it you’ll find
nowhere else; you can find more information here:</span></em><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Control-Your-Career-Handbook-Strategies/dp/8027004918/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499069419&sr=8-1&keywords=michael+mayher" target="_blank"><span lang="EN" style="border: 1pt currentColor; color: #008cc9; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Control Your Career</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08536258357219289853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861284297255406840.post-51457972446887370402017-07-31T07:03:00.000+02:002017-07-31T07:03:06.588+02:00Cutting Through the Fakery
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The term “Fake” seems to be in
vogue lately. We see it applied in a lot of ways, most notably with regards to
news and current events – it’s everywhere you look. Applied in this manner, it
used to be otherwise called propaganda and disinformation, but perhaps I see it
on both sides, from job seeking candidates as well as from the companies and
hiring managers. To varying degrees, it’s always been happening but I recognize
it more than ever the last few years. It is one thing to put your best face
forward, but quite another to mislead, obfuscate, hide or conceal information. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For example: it is now well-known
that gaps in employment on a resume can be unhelpful and viewed negatively by
HR and hiring managers. I personally think most gaps can be adequately
explained away due to the fluctuations in the markets for almost the last
decade. Regardless, I see people using fake jobs as gap fillers – I’ve even seen
examples of some, whom I know are not working, who have something on their resume
stating otherwise. It seems to me they are working harder at avoidance than simply
addressing the issue. Yeah, I recognize this is a minority of job seekers;
instead many people just exaggerate their feats and daring do. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On the employer side, job descriptions
as they are presented provide virtually no real info about the job and during
an interview, the rosiest picture is painted of what the job entails.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">However, cutting through the fog
can be as simple as a little extra application of critical thinking skills. Job
seeker or hiring manager - your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to
ask <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">more questions</i>; well formulated,
investigative questions. Let me simplify it as much as I can:</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Interviewees: (don’t say this, but your mindset
should be) “Tell me more - and what aren’t you telling me that I should and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">need</i> to know about this job”</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Interviewers: (don’t say this, but your mindset
should be) “Your resume describes what you are supposed to be doing – but <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">explain</i> to me what you are doing and
have done; prove it and tell me why I should consider hiring you”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is really this simple to get to the bottom of what is
real and what isn’t, but I often see interviewees sitting mute, nodding their
heads as if on cue. Or hiring managers relying on a silly personality profile
to do their job for them. And then, when decision time arrives I hear people
lament, “I’m not sure I can make a decision, I need more information”. If you
reach the offer stage of the interview process and you still don’t have the
info you need, whose fault is that?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes in our personal and profession lives, it only
takes a little extra (real) effort, to go from mediocre, to exceptional. Look,
it is your career we’re talking about here, regardless of on which side of the
table you’re seated during the hiring process. If you want to just get by so be
it – it is a choice. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<em><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you
think this topic has relevance and you would like to be better prepared and
improve your chances; to have the information available for quick reference or
someone you know will need it - then no question about it, you need my
handbook. Think of it as a career survival guide providing useful and effective
tips for every step of the job search and interview process, ready when you
will need it. It is recently updated and there’s stuff in it you’ll find
nowhere else; you can find more information here:</span></em><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Control-Your-Career-Handbook-Strategies/dp/8027004918/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499069419&sr=8-1&keywords=michael+mayher" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt windowtext; color: #008cc9; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Control Your Career</span></span></a></span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08536258357219289853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861284297255406840.post-66001278187204628272017-07-17T13:42:00.000+02:002017-07-17T13:44:22.357+02:00Intelligent but Not Very Smart<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I encounter it increasingly too
often; highly intelligent and educated people who demonstrate a seriously
deficient ability to navigate common tasks. I am referring to the chore of
interviewing for a new job. To be clear, few people like to interview, it is
something we do as part of a process of evaluation while being compared and
judged against others who are seeking the same job. Unfortunately, many people have
only themselves to blame for failing to make it beyond the first interview, unintentionally
sabotaging their own efforts.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We need to look no further than
the virtual collapse of soft skills in many people. For 25 years I have recruited
and placed professionals of all types, but a large percentage of my work during
the last few years has been in the legal market -- lawyers. As you can imagine,
lawyers are smart folks but let me point to an example that applies to many
people, regardless of their profession. Some people want to maintain a
reasonable work / life balance and, no doubt, young lawyers put in a lot of
hours and they know this, when they pursue their career choice. Before
interviews I generally brief those I represent. I don’t tell anyone what to say
but I know how this ritual works and often they don’t, so I share with them
some of the things they should expect and should be prepared to answer. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">On the minds of most people are things
such as what the job demands in terms of their time invested, on a daily and
weekly basis. This is reasonable but have you ever heard the phrase, “It’s not
about what we say, but rather how we say it”? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I suppose words like “finesse”
aren’t familiar to many of these people because contrary to my advice, during
the very first interview they ask, “How late do I have to work each day?” And
yeah, they really say it like that. Then they can’t figure out why they don’t
get a 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> interview. Whether intended or not they have telegraphed
to the interviewer they are a clock watcher and cannot be relied upon for more
than basic daily tasks nor exceeding the bare minimum effort expected from them
– sorry but perception is reality in the minds of many. Note: there is nothing
wrong with their question but this is clearly a soft skills screw-up and here’s
where the intelligence and smarts thing comes into the equation. If you want to
ask that question, use your head and ask instead, “Can you please give me an
example of a typical workday and workweek at your company?” It is the same
question, delivered and perceived differently. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Some people get offended when I
inform them of their mistake and retort, “well, I wanted to know?” Which just
goes to show there are some people you just can’t help, sadly they don’t even
know what it is they don’t know. I don’t care how well educated you may be, or
how bright and shiny is your resume. If you cannot effectively communicate you
are selling yourself short. Because, after all, the resume and what’s listed on
it is only meant to get you in the door – and then what are you going to do?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If you think this topic has relevance and you would like to be better
prepared and improve your chances; to have the information available for quick
reference or someone you know will need it - then no question about it, you
need my handbook. Think of it as a career survival guide providing useful and
effective tips for every step of the job search and interview process, ready
when you will need it. It is recently updated and there’s stuff in it you’ll
find nowhere else; you can find more information here:</i> </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Control-Your-Career-Handbook-Strategies/dp/8027004918/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499069419&sr=8-1&keywords=michael+mayher"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "calibri";">Control
Your Career</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08536258357219289853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861284297255406840.post-33462344060200859072017-02-26T17:29:00.004+01:002017-02-26T17:29:34.536+01:00One BIG Reason Why
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">No matter how bullet-proof and perfect you think your resume
may be – if you’re invited to interviews but failing to reach the next step, there
is likely a very good reason as to why and it is a most important aspect many
people overlook.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But first, accept the fact that once you find yourself
seated opposite a hiring manager in an interview, your resume has served its
purpose and it’s from that point forward, up to you to propel yourself to the
next stage and beyond – it’s yours to win or lose. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here’s a question: “Why should someone hire you”? Can you readily
answer this question, do it with confidence – and mean it? If you can’t, then
quite possibly you’re just going through the motions and this may be a big reason
you’re not getting anywhere or seeing the results you want. But don’t fret too
much because at least you’ve identified something you can influence and remedy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You see, your primary task in an interview is to demonstrate
why you are a better choice than the others from whom to choose. Your resume
only got you in the door and it is but one component of the hiring process. Hey,
I’ve witnessed people with poor resumes who are confident and effective
interviewers; they seem to glide through the process and often get a job offer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Your ability to communicate effectively during interviews is
the biggest component and your primary task, as far as I’m concerned. So for
the many who rely upon a lifeless piece of paper to get a job for them, this
simply isn’t an effective strategy. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So here it is – indeed, have a good and well-prepared
resume. But more important, know how to bring that paper to life, making it
emblematic of you as a candidate under consideration, among others. Then
sensibly but effectively demonstrate why you are their best choice – it really
can be this easy. Confidence is a big part of it but to be confident you must
be prepared and it calls for more than a good resume.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08536258357219289853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861284297255406840.post-8537281343199665772017-01-29T17:09:00.000+01:002017-01-29T17:09:15.329+01:00Identifying Interview Danger Signs
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There are clear signs
the job markets are heating up again. Regardless, don’t think that means
getting hired is any easier; companies are still screening and scrutinizing candidates
more than ever. And so should you be also, screening and evaluating the people
and companies for which you might work for.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Often, at our own peril,
we ignore our instincts when we sense something’s amiss. Or, we acknowledge it but
dismiss our concerns for whatever reason(s). The same holds true when we
interview for a job, only to realize after the fact in hindsight we’ve made a
mistake. Something just didn’t seem right but you failed to address it and by
the time you realize it – it’s too late. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A question if I may - <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">if there was information, that of which you
became aware and which would prevent you from accepting a job, when would you prefer
to learn about it -- during the interview process or later, at the water
cooler?</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The question was
rhetorical; obviously by the time you receive a job offer, both parties
involved should have had all questions or concerns satisfactorily resolved.
Exclaiming, “I should’ve known better” doesn’t change anything. I mean, really,
I doubt you’ll ever attend an interview where they might say, “Yeah, this job is
open because it sucks and nobody’s stayed longer than 6 months. But we can’t
find anyone internally willing to do it and we’ve gotta fill it.” Even if that
were the truth, it is more likely you’ll be told the rosy portrayal about how
great it is, in the hopes you won’t ask them any uncomfortable questions.
Conversely, it might be a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">great</i> job
but if you don’t ask any questions and sit mute, answering only that which is
asked of you, they’re very likely to conclude you’re not the sharpest candidate
among their other choices. Asking questions demonstrates you are not just
there, but you’re there <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and</i> taking
the event seriously. Now, if you opt to coast along, only going through the
motions and choose to sit there like a dummy speaking only when spoken to,
dutifully nodding and smiling when you think you should to show interest – well
then, pardon me but you are a dummy; often, perception <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> reality.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Granted, you’ll never <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">really</i> know what will be until you start
a new job. Therefore, you owe it to yourself during the interview process to
learn as much as you can, by asking questions to gain as much information as
you possibly can, because there is always more to be concerned with than simply
the job title, duties, and money.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are questions you
will formulate during the course of the each interview you attend, but here are
some examples of questions you should ask during the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">first</i> interview of almost any job you’d consider:</span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: black; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Why
is the position open?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: black; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What
happened to the last person in the position?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: black; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How
long were they in the position? <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: black; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
the person before…?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: black; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Can
you describe for me, a typical workday (for this role)?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: black; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Can
you tell me something about the company culture?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: black; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What
is the level of urgency to fill this position (when do you need someone to
start)?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: black; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How
long have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you</i> (the interviewer)
been with the company?</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These questions will help you to make a better informed and more
confident decision. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As you navigate through
the interview process you should be asking questions every step of the way, if
you don’t do so you are not really an active participant but rather a passenger.
If you do nothing to influence the direction of your own career you’d better
hold on, it’s going to be a bumpy ride. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08536258357219289853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861284297255406840.post-54914972716056396252017-01-08T18:19:00.001+01:002017-01-08T18:19:18.342+01:00Self-inflicted Wounds
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The primary intent of my articles, blog, presentations,
lectures and handbook is an attempt to provide people with the nearly lost
skills for how to search, seek, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">effectively</i>
interview and, as a result, win a job of their choice in order to enhance one’s
career prospects. Sadly, most people, as a result of internet dependence, have
become in large part clueless about this necessary activity. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">No one likes to interview; it’s not something for which a normal
person would choose to engage. Increasingly over the years I find myself not
only coaching people about how to navigate these processes, but I find I must
instruct them on the most trivial and basic interactive and communication
skills. Many people think the job market and companies are unfair, when in
reality, far too many people are so naïve about how to conduct themselves they
are directly responsible for their own failure to advance in the interview
process. Virtually everyone is guilty in some measure of what I am speaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it comes to simple interpersonal
communications skills, or now referred to as soft-skills, mainly young people
who’ve entered the job market during the last 5 years and are launching their
careers, are the most handicapped. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let’s take one simple but glaring example:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>most people to varying degrees are concerned
about their work / life balance. During the last year I have witnessed too many
young people, who are otherwise very talented, totally blow their chances in
the very first interview. They often ask in no uncertain terms, “How long will I
have to work each day?” At first thought, you might think there’s nothing wrong
with this question and it is something everyone wants to know. It isn’t the
question that is a deal killer, it is how they ask the question that in the
eyes of a hiring manager makes them almost instantly undesirable and
disqualified, no matter how good their resume may look.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Apparently <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">finesse</i>
is another lost skill in the internet-will-do-it-for-me age in which we live. I
am not going into great detail nor debate anyone who disagrees with me – 25
years of experience and trend watching is the reason – I am correct and
companies increasingly say the same. As is so often the case, it is not a
matter of what is said, but how it is expressed. How about trying this instead,
“Can you describe for me a typical work day and work week in your
organization?” This is one, among many potential good questions, as to what you
should ask in a first face-to-face interview. This will help you accomplish the
main purpose of the first interview, to learn more about the job and company
beyond that pathetically simple and empty job description you were aware of
when you applied. This question is more thoughtful than asking, “what time do I
gotta start work and what time can I get outa’ here each day?”, which is
implied by the brain-dead simplistic question exemplified in the paragraph above.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the past, we learned to successfully interview by trial
and error. When we screwed up, we’d learn from our mistakes and adjust as we
went along. But presently, you may not have as many good jobs as in the past
from which to choose and, adding to the equation, interviewers are less patient.
You see, compounding the problem is the increasing lack of soft-skills of both
job seekers and interviewers. This means you must make the most of each
opportunity you have. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Indeed, we all make mistakes and hopefully we learn from them
- and ignorance is no excuse to keep repeating stupid mistakes. All that is required
is to reflect upon and recognize that your lack of progress is not everyone
else’s fault. Developing and improving the interactive skills we learned – or
should have learned interacting with others as children is an integral part of
your career development and progress. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08536258357219289853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861284297255406840.post-85141175540545497302016-12-19T17:28:00.003+01:002016-12-19T17:28:56.764+01:00A Good Resume is Not Enough
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It is well-known or
should be that by itself a good resume isn’t enough to get you a job. The human
element is still the most critical deciding factor affecting who gets hired and
who does not. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Interpersonal
communication skills or Soft Skills as they’ve come to be known are critical to
your efforts. Sadly, a growing number of people, especially those under the age
of 35, are more likely to be lacking in this area at a time when senior company
managers have rightly begun to recognize this deficit with respect to their
hiring processes. Those over 35 are losing them with increased reliance on
convenient technologies that have generally speaking, become necessities. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">With 25 years of
experience recruiting and placing many different kinds of people, I don’t care
how much money you have spent for your college degree, or how much technical expertise
you may possess. If you cannot communicate as to why an interviewer should
choose you over someone else or if you cannot articulate how they will benefit
by selecting you instead of someone as similarly qualified as you are, you may
very well get beat out by someone who can – and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">this</i> is why Soft Skills matter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Lately, there is more
and more evidence that companies have worryingly recognized the lack of Soft
Skills among applicants and current employees and they are beginning to put increased
value and focus on them. The reason is simple: without soft skills salespeople
can’t effectively sell, managers cannot manage to their full potential, teams
can’t optimize their efforts as one nor interact, which affects their bottom
line of profitability and competitiveness. In short, it has an inevitable
dumbing-down effect across the societal and economic spectrum. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So just what are Soft
Skills? Read this from Wikipedia: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">“Soft skills</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">
is a term often associated with a person's “EQ” (Emotional Intelligence
Quotient), the cluster of personality traits, social graces, communication,
language, personal habits, friendliness, and optimism that characterize
relationships with other people. Soft skills complement hard skills which are
the occupational requirements of a job and many other activities. They are
related to feelings, emotions, insights and (some would say) an 'inner
knowing': i.e. they provide an important complement to 'hard skills' and IQ.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Soft skills are personal
attributes that enhance an individual's interactions, job performance and
career prospects. Unlike hard skills, which are about a person's skill set and
ability to perform a certain type of task or activity, soft skills relate to a
person's ability to interact effectively with coworkers and customers and are
broadly applicable both in and outside the workplace.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So don’t let anyone
tell you this is no big deal, and it goes to the heart of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all </i>the advice and methods I advise people to consider and work on,
because this is the stuff that transcends a nicely-prepared resume. It is what
gives your resume horsepower; it’s the second part of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">one-two punch</i> that elevates you beyond most others competing in the
same contest – it is what makes the difference.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Technology and the convenience
it provides us is a good thing, but growing dependence on it has an unintended
crippling effect. You may find my perspective extreme and dystopian but, as
people become more and more connected virtually and digitally, they are more
disconnected in reality. That face-to-face disconnect of the physically
interactive world on social levels is being replaced with the digital unreality.
In the best case, those who lack soft skills will continue to be frustrated
when their job search efforts result in a dead end. At worst, we’re on track to
dividing into two distinct social strata, between those who can function and
obtain for themselves good employment and the rest; incapable of finding decent
work thus reducing their career options to the most menial of tasks; a
self-imposed virtual caste system. Of which group will you and your family be a
part? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08536258357219289853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861284297255406840.post-71332801179798012082016-12-04T19:55:00.000+01:002016-12-04T19:55:17.645+01:00Too Far to Commute, Too Close to Relocate
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
For whatever reason, perhaps the
available jobs in your local vicinity are either not suitable or there may be
few available. Let’s say, hypothetically, there is a job you are considering,
you like them and they like you. They are willing to pay more money, but there
is a two hour or longer one-way commute on a clear weather and good traffic
day. However, it is a good job and the kind for which you have been looking, so
you think beyond the commute issue, instead considering the good things and
benefits for you and your family. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
I’ve witnessed this sort of
situation and, most often, accepting these circumstances is rationalized by
focusing on the good or because of need, although I do warn candidates of the
negatives to which they should give more credence. Everything starts out well,
but often it isn’t long before I receive a call from the candidate who accepted
the job, telling me they are unhappy, never home and the increased money they
are earning is swallowed up by fuel and occasional hotel costs, when there is a
snow storm or a late night at the office. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
This distance of the commute
could be such that it does not make sense to sell your house and relocate with
all that includes, such as uprooting children, etc. A long commute can take its
toll in many ways you may not have anticipated; not least of which is the total
time you are commuting to and fro, combined with the time at work. This could
mean, as an example, a four hours or more total commute time added to your work
day, which is likely more than just 8 hours. If you’re lucky, you are still
looking at a minimum of 12 hours per day and that doesn’t even account for bad
weather, highway construction delays or spontaneous traffic snarls. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
If you find yourself in such a
situation, you must give equal consideration to the negative aspects of such a
lifestyle change. It’s easy to justify the good things. I also assume most
people recognize relocation should be the logical conclusion, once you’ve
settled into the job. Indeed, I know some people who do the long distance
marriage thing and see each other on weekends, if their company will pay the
expense or pay enough to make that an option. We’re all different, but most
people cannot live like this long term without it impacting their personal
relationships. If you’re single, perhaps it isn’t a big deal, but you should
not overlook the financial costs vs. benefits and remember that your time has <i>value</i>
that is measurable, both in monetary and quality-of-life terms. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08536258357219289853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861284297255406840.post-85982075453677994552016-11-13T15:11:00.001+01:002016-11-13T15:11:45.297+01:00How to Close the Interview
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
One of the most basic, and a very
important thing you can do to aid your efforts towards a successful outcome, is
the manner by which you finish the interview. I mean each interview, every
time, with everyone you meet, anytime throughout your career. How you close the
interview says a lot about you, your abilities, and your level of interest and
conveys a measure of professionalism many people overlook. <o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
So there you are, being
interviewed and the time arrives when they ask, “So, do you have any
questions?” You should, of course, have some as a result of your time spent
with the hiring official with whom you’re meeting. But before you conclude,
there is one final question you will make a part of your interview ritual for
the rest of your career - no joke, from this time forward. It sounds like this,
“We’ve been speaking for the last hour <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(or
whatever it has been)</i> and I would like ask, what’s the next step?” or,
“We’ve been speaking for the last hour…is there any reason you would <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> recommend me for the next interview
step?” Say it however you want, be polite but decisive and clear about your
intent and then stop talking, don’t speak, zip it and if I need to suggest it
more bluntly, shut up – don’t add anything or feed an answer and now wait for
their reply.<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
There are three likely answers:<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 21pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 21.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“I first need to talk to my colleague(s)…”, “…meet
additional applicants”, “…review my notes…”, “…eat a ham sandwich…” etc. (just
kidding about the last one) </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
No problem and it is okay, so they
gave you some BS answer and chose to sidestep the question. It’s all right you
asked, you did your part and it was noted.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 21pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 21.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“…when I asked about…you said…but your resume says
something different, could you clarify it for me?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 21pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 21.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 21pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 21.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
If they have a concern or need a
clarification, you certainly want to address it here and now. You don’t want to
leave question marks to dangle in their mind, assuming you’ll get a chance to
clear it up later, if they have a concern you likely won’t get a next chance.
Go ahead and respond, then ask if the additional info satisfies their query? If
so, repeat your question about the next step which presumably brings you to the
third possible reply.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 21pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 21.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“We’d like to meet you again…”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 21pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 21.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 21pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 21.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
Although it may appear I’m
oversimplifying, I am not. This is how you close and finish every interview. Of
course there are never any guarantees, but this is without a doubt the best way
to conclude an interview and it might even extend the conversation, which is a
good thing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
So what does this do for you? It
clearly demonstrates your interest and that you are decisive and proactive.
Furthermore, you’ve distinguished yourself from most others who sound needy
when they sheepishly say, “Well, um, thank you and I hope I hear from you.” Now
there’s a snoozer of a parting statement! <o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08536258357219289853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861284297255406840.post-27259358542518872002016-10-30T18:33:00.004+01:002016-10-30T18:33:41.240+01:00Making a Change
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
The concept of
change scares the hell out of some people. Many of us like our routines, and we
don’t like unplanned or unanticipated surprises, or anything that upsets the
status quo. But change does and will happen. Actually, I have observed that the
people who attempt to exert the most effort to control all aspects of their
lives, and the lives of everyone around them, are much more easily freaked out,
than if they just stepped back and took on their problems as they occur, like
the rest of us. These are sometimes the same people who automatically assume
that change always portends something negative, and rarely do they consider <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">change</i> may actually portend something
better. As a result, we get the very outcomes we expect whether we mean to or
not, good or bad, our perceptions will make it so. If you’re negative you’ll
reap lots of negative stuff. If you are positive it won’t be so bad. Our
perception is reality. If you seek a bad result you’ll certainly find it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Most of us
accept change as a fact of life, and a few of us actually look forward to
change. Some of us get downright bored if things remain the same for too long.
I used to fear change, but it’s like the cliché of a glass of water being
half-full, or half-empty. Change rarely portends only dark certainty but, more
often, new possibilities, some good and some bad, but one never knows. Do we
have setbacks, yes, we all experience them and to use yet another cliché, you
may need to take a step back in order to take two steps forward. Once again, it
is all about how we choose to view it. One thing is sure, new circumstances
keep us on our toes, and perhaps we are at our best when we have periodic
changes in the scenery of our lives. How many opportunities are missed for fear
of change? Your frame of mind will make a big difference; are you open to a new
circumstance or will you fight it every step of the way? Turning negatives into
positives is what we do in life. Taking a situation that holds others back, and
making it work in your favor, is what sets you apart from others waiting for
someone or something to do for them what they seem unable to do for themselves.
If you freak out over the reality of change you are going to have to get over
it if you want to move ahead. I would suggest it’s not so much <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">change</i> that scares us, as the worry
about being caught <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">unprepared</i> to
react to it when it comes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
If you are going
through a period during which you are questioning what is ahead for you, who
knows, you may later look back and realize this was an exciting time and you
were more alert, sharper edged and at the top of your game, prepared and ready
for your next step and whatever life throws at you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08536258357219289853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861284297255406840.post-71214007769564483032016-10-17T09:15:00.000+02:002016-10-17T09:15:50.395+02:00Act in Your Own Best Interest<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When you search for a
job and subsequently interview, you’re supposed to ask questions. Although
increasingly, I find that people have a reluctance to do so and they somehow
imagine a good resume is all that is necessary and somehow everything else will
fall into place and take care of itself.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There are five basic
types of questions: Factual, Convergent, Divergent, Evaluative and Combination.
But let’s keep things simple, for our purposes I’m only concerned with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">open-ended</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">close-ended</i> questions. Consciously knowing the difference and
learning when to use one or another can help you, regardless of whether you are
being asked, or you are the one asking the questions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Open-ended</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> questions require an explanation. Open-ended questions are like
the name says: they are open-ended requiring explanation that will help to gain
more insight or better understanding. Let’s say for example, I want to engage a
person in conversation that has no real reason to speak with me, and I ask, “Are
you interested in considering a new job opportunity?” Their reply is possibly
going to be “no”. That was a close-ended question. If I wanted to learn more
about him, I might have instead inquired, “Tell me what kind of job would
appeal to you?” That was an open-ended question requiring a more thoughtful
response resulting in more information.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">close-ended</i> question is one that elicits a simple yes or no answer.
If you ask a lot of close-ended questions you will not get a lot of information
and the conversation will not go far. By the very nature of this kind of
question, it’s not meant to. When you watch television and see a courtroom
drama, you will notice a lawyer will ask someone on the witness stand a
close-ended question when they might say “Did you or did you not see who killed
your neighbor?” The intention is to limit the witness’ response to a yes or no
and cutting off and preventing any discussion. He doesn’t want details and the
lawyer has steered the question and answer process to serve his intention.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Determine, according to
what will benefit you most, when to employ an open-ended or a close-ended
question. When you want a black and white answer or a clear decision ask a
close-ended question. When you want to keep the dialogue alive and extract more
information, with which to make a better decision and prove yourself worthy of
another interview, ask engaging open-ended questions. Conversely, learn to
recognize when these methods are being used on you. Interviews are never meant
to be, nor should they be, one-sided. I am not exaggerating when I say most
people with whom you are competing in the job market are like zombies, simply
going through the motions. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When sitting in front of a hiring official, their
behavior is almost entirely reactive. I can assure you it doesn’t take much to
set yourself apart from others, and it’s much easier than you think to make
real impact. In the end they may not choose you, as there are never any
guarantees but, take some initiative so when you walk out that door, unlike
most others who’ll be forgotten five minutes later, you’ll have made an impact
they’ll remember.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08536258357219289853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861284297255406840.post-52443100636498604072016-10-02T16:34:00.003+02:002016-10-02T23:10:07.659+02:00Stand Apart, Stand Out<br />
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How does one exude
self-confidence without appearing arrogant or conceited? It’s simple really,
but first let’s put it into context. When you attend a first real interview,
I’m not talking about a telephone screening or a cattle-call and assembly-line
assessment center. Instead, the first real interview when the purpose for the
meeting is to consider you for whatever role you’ve applied. During the
interview you will be asked, “…tell me about yourself.” We’re not going to talk
about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">how</i> to present yourself, that’s
a whole other subject unto itself. I want to focus instead on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">what</i> to share when presenting yourself,
your experience and qualifications.</div>
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</div>
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I’m an American living and
working in Europe, I have 25 years of experience as a recruiter on two
continents. I recognize there are cultural differences that influence people
but that should not matter as the world and especially business is more
inter-connected than ever. Interview an American and, on average, they have no
problem telling you about themselves and their accomplishments. Europeans are
less open and I have run into many who regard such self-portraits akin to
self-promotion, as if it is a bad thing when interviewing for a new job.
Regardless of from where a person is, there are a lot of people who are shy or
reticent to talk about themselves and their career accomplishments. </div>
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</div>
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When you interview, you’ve got to
tell the interviewer not only about what your responsibilities and
qualifications are, but key to your candidacy is what you’ve <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">accomplished</i> with your qualifications;
how did you handle your responsibilities? Did you rise to any challenges and
what are some examples? If you don’t tell them, how will they know? Many think
if it’s on their resume a hiring official will see it, but that’s a weak excuse
and oh yeah, do you know when most interviewers review your resume? Too often
it’s about 5 minutes before they shake your hand at the start of the meeting.
The reality is that it’s up to you to get them to wake up and take notice of
you; to show how you stand apart from others seeking the same job. It’s
ultimately on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you</i> to demonstrate why
you are the best person for the job compared to everyone else. Or are you like
most people who mistakenly hope a piece of paper will do it for you?</div>
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</div>
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Ask yourself, what are the things
you’ve done and are most proud of? This is a good place to start. First, any
successes or accomplishments you would share with an interviewer should be
directly related to a current or past job position. Second, it must be somehow
verifiable, you’ve got to be able to prove anything you point to with
documentation of some kind or be able to produce a reference of someone willing
to back up your claim. Documentation can be a performance review, a company
news letter, an award, a company stack ranking list related to office,
district, region, etc., listing your standing compared with others, such as
what most salespeople receive on a regular periodic basis. It could be a press
release within which you are noted or listed or a certificate of
accomplishment. Whatever it is, you’ve got to be able to prove your claim if
asked.</div>
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</div>
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Then work on it, write it down,
refine it, and rehearse it. Be able to speak with confidence and with some
brevity. Condense the information down to brief but impactful points about
which you can elaborate if asked. While most others are only parroting what’s
on their resume, you’ll be talking past the piece of paper, relating to them what
you’ve actually done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08536258357219289853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861284297255406840.post-59467444610299666482016-09-18T15:50:00.003+02:002016-09-18T15:50:33.368+02:00A Hard Worker - With Pre-Conditions
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am in contact on a regular
basis with many very well-qualified and dedicated people who want to pursue
good jobs and, lately, the job market is improving and some sectors are doing
rather well and experiencing growth. I have client companies with needs for everything
from receptionists to senior management with a lot in-between. So you’d think
people are snapping up jobs left and right. Yet I talk to many, who are
frustrated they can’t get beyond the 1<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> or 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup>
interview. Meanwhile I have hiring managers who lament they can’t find the
right people to hire. So what’s wrong; where’s the disconnect? </span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, the problem often stems
from the candidate / applicant side in too many situations. Here’s what is
happening: an applicant goes to the interview, they like what they hear about
the job and they begin to demonstrate they are good and worthy candidates. For
their part, the hiring managers like what they hear and see but then they start
listening to the pre-conditions, often during the very first meeting. </span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am not new to this business; I
recognize many people want a work-life balance, but it verges on the ridiculous,
especially when young people, who have little or no experience, start asking
how long they’ll have to work each day. Or, someone declares when they must
pick up their children, at odds with the standard job description of potential
work responsibilities. Many times they disqualify themselves from further
consideration with demands so beyond the pale it is as if each potential
employee wants a customized schedule and work conditions tailored just for
them. I know hiring managers who are very frustrated and tell me they can’t
find anyone willing to work. </span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes the demands are
reasonable and the issue may not be what you are asking for but, rather, how
you’re asking or more likely you’re asking prematurely because, frankly, a
growing number of people possess underdeveloped communication skills. But here
it is in a nutshell; before and until you demonstrate your value to them, until
such time as they identify you as someone they have more interest in than
others, seeking the same job making any demands is pointless and only
diminishes your chances. Get through the first interview with a goal of
securing the 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> interview as best as you can. Show them why you’re
their best choice thereby increasing your stock value. Then, you can discuss
your needs and possibly get some of your wants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08536258357219289853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861284297255406840.post-26004611958050798212016-09-05T06:53:00.000+02:002016-09-05T06:53:17.835+02:00The Art of Asking Questions
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When you are engaged in an interview process, far too many
people sit mute and do little on their own behalf. Reciprocal dialogue is part
of the process but, to do so effectively, requires the ability to effectively
communicate. It is an interactive event and there is an aspect of self-interest
in that it is incumbent upon you to make a thoughtful effort to gain the most
information possible, in order to make an informed decision by the end of the
process. </span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To do this you’re supposed to also be asking some questions
and, if you do well enough, your interview becomes a negotiation that can lead
to a job offer, with a mutually beneficial outcome for both sides. It may sound
complex but it isn’t. </span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We live in a period when individuals don’t really
communicate, regardless of all the means available to us. Dialogue between
people has been reduced to a hashtag and 140 characters or an Emoji to express
our feelings, because actually communicating has become too cumbersome,
requiring too much effort for many. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Furthermore, you need more than a single clever question and
far more than a clever rehearsed answer or two, if you are going to shine. Being
memorable is not the goal; however, being remembered well, is. Doing just
enough to get by is not sufficient and will not win the day for you. Yet, that
is what most people are doing.</span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you’re not a good communicator, become one. Better
communication skills can help you sweep aside others seeking the same job –
even some of those who might be better qualified. It is a worthy effort. </span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Think of the questions you will ask, instead of saying something
painfully obvious, such as, “…how late will I have to work?” Use a set-up that
is general but requires more than a yes or no answer, like, “…Can you describe
for me a typical day in this role?” That will get you some helpful info, but
that’s just the set-up. Depending on how they respond, then follow-up to
extract more pertinent info. I can imagine another 4 or 5 questions so that by
the time you’re done you will learn that which you need. Most interviewers are
also simply going through the motions – they have a list of routine questions,
especially during the first interview and they are not going to give you
details unless you ask. This is where most interviewees, in my opinion, falter
– not just for their own purposes but also in the eyes of a hiring manager.</span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Asking good questions is how you learn about a job
opportunity, the company, as well as the person to whom you may both work and
report. Failure to probe for this information is a dereliction of your duty as
an applicant / interviewee. </span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you don’t think ahead and take charge of your own fate in
order to empower yourself, do you think anyone is going to do that for you,
much less care? It falls to you to act in your own best interest. This, and
being able to communicate effectively, is the only way it’s going to happen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08536258357219289853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861284297255406840.post-45424866948696802922016-08-21T18:02:00.000+02:002016-08-21T18:02:05.312+02:00The Root of the Problem
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Understandably, most people don’t
consider the things I write about until such time as they need a job;
ironically, it is my job. But I highly suggest you share this article with
others you know, whether they find themselves in need of this less-than-desirable
exercise now or sometime in the future, which for most of us is inevitable.</span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hear over and over two things:
there aren’t any jobs or I can’t find any jobs. But after twenty-five years in
the business and, increasingly the last ten years, I’ll tell you something you
won’t like to hear – you’re not trying or at the very least trying hard enough.
Now before you want to kill the messenger, hear me out.</span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Patience and perseverance are
what’s missing, as well as innovation -- by today’s standards at least. Yep,
it’s true in most situations. </span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hear from people telling me
they’ve (digitally) sent out 100 resumes, big whoop, I’ll bet that wore you
out. Then I ask them, on how many of those did you follow up? The answer is
usually, none. Without going into detail and, I do write about it all the time,
if all you’re doing is reviewing the jobs posted online you’re doing yourself a
disservice and barely scratching the surface.</span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then let’s consider the
interview. No one likes to interview per se; some may think they are pretty
good at it, but it’s not as if it’s a hobby people enjoy and seek out. Nope, we
interview only when we must and for most it’s half-heartedly at best. Here
again, most people spend the precious limited time they have during the
interview reacting to what is asked of them. Do you have any questions prepared
when you arrive at the interview, are you being interactive and engaging them,
and proactively posing questions important to you during that brief event? And
have you made an actual effort to impose the impression they should invite you
back – did you literally ask for the job, or at the very least to be advanced
to the next step? How do they know if you are as much or more interested than
everyone else, are you doing anything that would leave no shadow of a doubt? I
am betting you’re not – or at the very least you’re not doing enough and, most
likely, the very least that is required of you. </span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’s a pretty damning
commentary, isn’t it? But it doesn’t have to be. Along with the conveniences of
the digital age we’ve lost a lot of our own abilities to help ourselves.
Furthermore, we’ve succumbed to the instant gratification provided us in so
many things we have taken for granted, much less forgotten. Therefore, we’re no
longer patient and if someone doesn’t reply back to our resume sent to a
faceless inbox, we get frustrated and give up. When we interview, we bump along
asking only that which is asked of us by those who aren’t very good themselves
at evaluating people, and wonder why no one called back. </span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Instead of treating a job search
like a chore or a pastime you do when you’d rather be doing something else – I
suggest you treat it as though your livelihood depends on it, because it does.
Here are tons of things you can do to improve and enhance your efforts and
abilities on this topic. Frankly, I have people regularly contacting me to
thank me for my advice. For example: a key question that worked, helping them
either to advance or get the job. Check my Blog archives, which date back to
October 2012. Last but not least in a shameless act of self-promotion, the
updated and streamlined 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> edition of my handbook will be reposted
for sale again soon. Get it so you don’t have to dig through the archives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08536258357219289853noreply@blogger.com0