“The customer is always right, even when they’re wrong, they are right.”
Retailers Golden Rule
The most important person in any organization, no matter what size, no matter the product or service provided, is the customer. Without the customer, there is no money generation, which leads to a new “For Rent” sign being displayed and talented workers beating the bushes for the next great opportunity. It doesn’t matter in what department you work, if no revenue comes in, bills don’t get paid.
And before the choir cries out, that it’s not my job, remember the 1st golden rule, soon it won’t be. Cause everything is your job. This is a lesson that every successful entrepreneur learns. Making sure that this idea is carried out and put into practice depends on making sure that employees have what it takes and can deliver it.
WHAT DOES IT TAKE
ATTITUDE
No word is stronger to describe this essential Key to Customer Service. People who are successful in this field look and act professional. They are friendly, good listeners, patient, and polite. Understanding that customers have a plethora of choices, it is not always price that tips the scale in deciding where to spend money. It is a feeling of comfort, of dependability, that makes people return.
KEY SKILLS
There are 3 skills at the heart of Customer Service that we can look at, each equally important: Communications, Problem Solving and a Go-Getter. Active Listening, a key component of Communications, works here. If you didn’t hear what the issues are and ask questions, how can you resolve it? The saying goes,” you have 2 ears and 1 mouth, use them in proportion”.
Customer Service, at it core, is problem solving. Remaining calm, taking charge, thinking on your feet and outside of the box when necessary, means you look for solutions. And if you didn’t accurately hear the details, your solution may or may not work.
It’s being a go-getter, going extra mile for customers, which they remember and appreciate. Instead of dismissing the problem, getting off your best intentions (instead just going through the motions) shows you care.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
While attitude and the right skill set determine the success of working with the public, other important factors have to be taken into considerations. Knowledge, not just of a particular service or product, but of relationships is important. How well you know the industry and the competition, what your company does better, effects whether or not customers return.
Knowledge of your role in the company, not just job duties, is another point. It does not matter where you work, when some is looking for help, you represent the company. It is about your interaction with people you work with. Are you a team player or a diva? Do you go the extra mile or do enough (in your opinion)? And how do show it; because customer service is more than talking the talk, it’s walking the walk.
CONCLUSION
Providing quality, attentive customer service won’t save you from poor management decisions and financial difficulties, but it does give you a professional appearance and demeanor. As noted by business leaders, the purpose of business is not in profits, but the ability to acquire and keep customers. If this is done correctly, profits follow. We all remember good Customer Service and value it. And come back when we’re happy with the results
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Targeting Your Job Search
You can’t hit the target if you can’t see it.
What do you want to be when you grow up? It seems like such a simple question, doesn’t it? When we’re growing up, the answers are typically Doctor, Lawyer, Police Officer, Fire Fighter, Astronaut, and Teacher. Then reality sets in (like educational requirements) and what was once crystal clear, is no longer.
This same thought process holds true if you are a career changer. You had one idea of what you wanted to do and took a position in that chosen field. Now, due to burn out, stress, unrealistic expectations, corporate downsizing, company relocation or just a general lack of opportunity in that field, you are trying to figure out what you want to be when they grow up. Here are a few ideas to help you find your target.
KNOW THYSELF: WHAT SKILLS DO YOU HAVE
To figure out what skills you bring to the table, create a list of job related skills, not duties and responsibilities. Duties and responsibilities talk about what you did, not how you did it and the end results. By starting off at looking at what you bring to the table, you can talk about the how’s clearly and relate those skills to the particular opportunity. It is your charge to draw a bridge between what you did and what you can do. The knowledge of the relationship between your skill set and that required of a job, is yours to present.
There are two sets of skills worth explaining, hard skills (like computer programs used) and soft skills (Communication Skills). The hard skills deal with what you used to accomplish tasks. The soft skills are those you use when dealing with others. The soft skills are sometimes harder to quantify, but are more important because they deal with your ability to be part of a team and to work effectively with others.
WHAT SKILLS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE OPENING
Next is good, old fashion research with a twist. Use the internet to look up careers. Take an on-line career assessment, to see what fields fit your skill set. Now, you have valuable information that can help you target your search. Find out what skills are necessary for success, prove you have them, and build the bridge of relating what you’ve done in the past to the new opportunity that is in front of you.
One area where people make a mistake is when they say they want to be a nurse. Great choice, however, if you have never worked in healthcare and do not possess the necessary education, you are not going to walk into a hospital and BE a nurse. There are other positions in healthcare where you CAN help people without the degree. Be aware of the fact that without the proper credentials, this could be a dead end career choice; know what is required to grow and develop your talents so you can take advantage of the next opportunity that comes along. And if it means going back to school, get off your best intentions and get yourself in the classroom. Don’t use it as an excuse; use it as a reason to earn your degree (or certificate).
TRANSFERABILITY
You spent 3 years working in security, now you want to work with children in a school setting. Is it a stretch? Depends on how you look at it. If you just go by what security is, watching what’s going on, you will be limited. But when you look at the problem solving that the job requires, the people skills involving Communications and Customer Service, the record keeping and organizational aspects of securing an area, you have talking points.
Relate those skills to the classroom and what a teacher does besides teach. A teacher has to keep a grade book (accurate record keeping), present a lesson (Communication Skills), create lesson plans (goals with results and a way to measure effectiveness), problem solve (Conflict Resolution). Don’t look at yourself in only one dimension.
CHANGE
The hardest part of all this is accepting change. Change in where you work. A change in your self identity (since most people take their sense of self from what they accomplish at work), look beyond what you seek. A change in how you look at who you are.
So there it is, plain and simple. Identify the skills you have, identify the skills necessary for success in your new field, and show how they transfer. Once you take the blinders off your search, you’ll be amazed at who you are and what you can bring to the table.
What do you want to be when you grow up? It seems like such a simple question, doesn’t it? When we’re growing up, the answers are typically Doctor, Lawyer, Police Officer, Fire Fighter, Astronaut, and Teacher. Then reality sets in (like educational requirements) and what was once crystal clear, is no longer.
This same thought process holds true if you are a career changer. You had one idea of what you wanted to do and took a position in that chosen field. Now, due to burn out, stress, unrealistic expectations, corporate downsizing, company relocation or just a general lack of opportunity in that field, you are trying to figure out what you want to be when they grow up. Here are a few ideas to help you find your target.
KNOW THYSELF: WHAT SKILLS DO YOU HAVE
To figure out what skills you bring to the table, create a list of job related skills, not duties and responsibilities. Duties and responsibilities talk about what you did, not how you did it and the end results. By starting off at looking at what you bring to the table, you can talk about the how’s clearly and relate those skills to the particular opportunity. It is your charge to draw a bridge between what you did and what you can do. The knowledge of the relationship between your skill set and that required of a job, is yours to present.
There are two sets of skills worth explaining, hard skills (like computer programs used) and soft skills (Communication Skills). The hard skills deal with what you used to accomplish tasks. The soft skills are those you use when dealing with others. The soft skills are sometimes harder to quantify, but are more important because they deal with your ability to be part of a team and to work effectively with others.
WHAT SKILLS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE OPENING
Next is good, old fashion research with a twist. Use the internet to look up careers. Take an on-line career assessment, to see what fields fit your skill set. Now, you have valuable information that can help you target your search. Find out what skills are necessary for success, prove you have them, and build the bridge of relating what you’ve done in the past to the new opportunity that is in front of you.
One area where people make a mistake is when they say they want to be a nurse. Great choice, however, if you have never worked in healthcare and do not possess the necessary education, you are not going to walk into a hospital and BE a nurse. There are other positions in healthcare where you CAN help people without the degree. Be aware of the fact that without the proper credentials, this could be a dead end career choice; know what is required to grow and develop your talents so you can take advantage of the next opportunity that comes along. And if it means going back to school, get off your best intentions and get yourself in the classroom. Don’t use it as an excuse; use it as a reason to earn your degree (or certificate).
TRANSFERABILITY
You spent 3 years working in security, now you want to work with children in a school setting. Is it a stretch? Depends on how you look at it. If you just go by what security is, watching what’s going on, you will be limited. But when you look at the problem solving that the job requires, the people skills involving Communications and Customer Service, the record keeping and organizational aspects of securing an area, you have talking points.
Relate those skills to the classroom and what a teacher does besides teach. A teacher has to keep a grade book (accurate record keeping), present a lesson (Communication Skills), create lesson plans (goals with results and a way to measure effectiveness), problem solve (Conflict Resolution). Don’t look at yourself in only one dimension.
CHANGE
The hardest part of all this is accepting change. Change in where you work. A change in your self identity (since most people take their sense of self from what they accomplish at work), look beyond what you seek. A change in how you look at who you are.
So there it is, plain and simple. Identify the skills you have, identify the skills necessary for success in your new field, and show how they transfer. Once you take the blinders off your search, you’ll be amazed at who you are and what you can bring to the table.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
PsYcHo-DeLiC nEwS
VILLAGERS STORM POST OFFICE WITH PITCH FORKS AND TORCHES
A series of events, like a pebble cast upon a pond, causes ripples. This is one such story, which happened in a tiny community in the Garden State.
Behind it all, is the callous disregard the school district shows towards the parents, and by extension the students. All they wanted is to know who their children’s teachers were so they could get ready for school. Each grade, and each teacher, requires specific materials, as directed by the testing of the year to check competencies. (We should be checking for creativity, problem solving, imagination, and the arts; instead we look for benchmarks that have been prepared by administrators who are sitting on their best intentions, but that’s another story.) The schools don’t want to deal with the outcry of parents, who work to pay their very salaries. And due to a mistake, not caught by postal carrier (who was covering the route for the regular letter carrier), a tray of mail was mislaid. Numerous calls to the confused and befuddled Postmaster, who never received more than 2 calls in any day, threw the office into a state of manic, unfocused energy, and as a result, the mail was unfound, but more importantly, undelivered.
Jamie Quirk was not one to take things quietly. She was head of a powerful block association that gathers every morning, to discuss the state of affairs. She was not pleased. The temporary deliverer of the mail said there was a tray of mail missing and drove feverously off, in the direction of the Post Office, to locate aforementioned tray. She had returned, to deliver the junk mail, and said they (hopefully meaning the infamous mail police) were investigating.
Jamie called once, explained the situation, in a calm and direct Staten Island way, and expected something to be done directly also. She then informed the rest of her organization of her progress.
LATER ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON
There was no further delivery of mail. At 5pm, as detectives were later able to determine, another call was received at the Post Office. Jamie, once again, explained the situation. The person at the other end of the phone had no idea that this was going on! Jamie was told not to worry. We’re the Post Office”, said the official confidently and then she quoted the Greek historian, Herodotus, "Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these courageous couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds".
SATURDAY
Every one on the quiet street was anxiously awaiting the mail. People were walking past their living room windows more than usual, peering out. Some kept walking out toward the mail box, walking slowly back, shaking their heads, empty-handed.
Jamie had to know what was going on. In addition to involving her husband, she kept calling other members and their husbands into getting involved. All the men wanted to do, was, well, that’s another story, but, none the less, they were being slowly dragged in.
Around 1:47pm, as the puzzle was being put together later, the white truck pulled onto the block. It crept up the block, up to each house, going up the hill, toward the sun. The sound of the engine grew louder, as it came down the hill. As it turned the corner, husbands ran down the hill, with Mr. Mac Murphy sustaining a rather large, purplish blacktop burn due to sliding on the slick pavement. The sudden stop of hitting the telephone pole didn’t help, as he managed to slide hip first into it. The medics have said he will be cleared to come home in a few days, after the wound has been cleaned and dressed. As a precaution, he is being flown by helicopter to Special Hospital For Surgery.
The Post Master was on his private 32 ft baby, coasting up down from Seaside towards Point Pleasant, unaware he was part of a National News Story. For Jamie, was not one to be trifled with. She was not Block President for nothing. And she had an army behind her. When her husband went to work, so did she.
She called the women and their families over for a BBQ. Her plan was to wine and dine them, as her prowess in the kitchen was legendary. She called up a few baby sitters, so the parents could listen, as she told them of the next move in the chess match, and the ultimate goal. To get the mail, and the legendary school letter which held the promise of creative learning and endless discussions over homework, such as why do we have so much, why can’t I do it later, why do my teachers hate me, and the ever famous, but so and so mom’s says she doesn’t have to finish it all, why then oh why I do I. But that’s another story.
A few of the husbands, Air, Sky, The Kid brought over their favorite liquid lubrications, which should never be mixed together, and Jamie, being a former mixologist at Studio 54, was cooking up Fuzzy Navels, Slo Gin Fizzes, and Alabama Slammers. By dusk, the crowd, which grew to include the parents of the surrounding blocks, do what unruly crowds do, when faced with such a crisis in the lives of their precious kids.
They went into garages and into their sheds. They raided patios and decks. They headed toward Target, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Lowe’s and Home Depot. They headed to local hardware stores, who all believed that Christmas had come in August. And they bought, took, stole, and acquired all the Tiki torches and pitch forks in the land. And they headed down the block together like never before, to the Post Office they go. Also lost in all of this, was the voice of reason.
SUNDAY MORNING
The road would have to be closed till morning, due to the massive clean up. The Sheriff wanted to ask for volunteers, but most of the possible recruits were lying on the ground, soaking wet, face down, in the mud, handcuffed and didn’t seem inclined to help. A few were over by the ambulances, being treated for various scrapes and abrasions. Sally Jenkins was bring treated for broken ribs, as the force of the water through the fire hose caused her to fly into The Kid, who slammed into a parked car, where he injured his back. He was lying in the ambulance, helping himself to the Nitrous Oxide they had taken instead of the oxygen tank.
The pitch forks were stacked in piles and burned by the few torches still let. The rest lie smoldering on the battlefield. It was a rather easy victory for the Police. A few smart parents dropped their torches and ran when they were asked tp stand down by the 6ft 7inc, former starting offensive tackle for the local football team and most intimidating officer on the force. The rest chanting, “We want our bloody school letters”, kept marching. The shit hit the fan when Jamie, who had had enough with being “madam-ed” by Chief of Police Tinkler, lit his uniform jacket on fire, by putting the touch to the back of it. Fire Marshall Bill turned the hoses on The Chief and Jamie. Then the gathered throng rushed forward with all the calm and rational thinking of a European Soccer crowd.
As there was no damage done to the facility, or any officer harmed, except for the Chief who is recovering from second degree ass-burns and has to sit on a do-nut for the next 6 weeks. No charges were filed, however Jamie was stripped of her title and cannot even participate in the school annual Baking Cookoff and Sale. Thus, did die her plans to storm the Offices of the Superintendent and all schools, while chanting,
“We don't need no education
We dont need no thought control
No dark sarcasm in the classroom
Teachers leave them kids alone
Hey! Teachers! Leave them kids alone!
All in all it's just another brick in the wall.
All in all you're just another brick in the wall.”
And all of this happened to avoid interaction with the taxpayers and a mistake, since the mail tray was found; it was switched with a tray of outgoing mail and went back to a central facility. It was delivered, on time, to each home early Monday afternoon.
A series of events, like a pebble cast upon a pond, causes ripples. This is one such story, which happened in a tiny community in the Garden State.
Behind it all, is the callous disregard the school district shows towards the parents, and by extension the students. All they wanted is to know who their children’s teachers were so they could get ready for school. Each grade, and each teacher, requires specific materials, as directed by the testing of the year to check competencies. (We should be checking for creativity, problem solving, imagination, and the arts; instead we look for benchmarks that have been prepared by administrators who are sitting on their best intentions, but that’s another story.) The schools don’t want to deal with the outcry of parents, who work to pay their very salaries. And due to a mistake, not caught by postal carrier (who was covering the route for the regular letter carrier), a tray of mail was mislaid. Numerous calls to the confused and befuddled Postmaster, who never received more than 2 calls in any day, threw the office into a state of manic, unfocused energy, and as a result, the mail was unfound, but more importantly, undelivered.
Jamie Quirk was not one to take things quietly. She was head of a powerful block association that gathers every morning, to discuss the state of affairs. She was not pleased. The temporary deliverer of the mail said there was a tray of mail missing and drove feverously off, in the direction of the Post Office, to locate aforementioned tray. She had returned, to deliver the junk mail, and said they (hopefully meaning the infamous mail police) were investigating.
Jamie called once, explained the situation, in a calm and direct Staten Island way, and expected something to be done directly also. She then informed the rest of her organization of her progress.
LATER ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON
There was no further delivery of mail. At 5pm, as detectives were later able to determine, another call was received at the Post Office. Jamie, once again, explained the situation. The person at the other end of the phone had no idea that this was going on! Jamie was told not to worry. We’re the Post Office”, said the official confidently and then she quoted the Greek historian, Herodotus, "Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these courageous couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds".
SATURDAY
Every one on the quiet street was anxiously awaiting the mail. People were walking past their living room windows more than usual, peering out. Some kept walking out toward the mail box, walking slowly back, shaking their heads, empty-handed.
Jamie had to know what was going on. In addition to involving her husband, she kept calling other members and their husbands into getting involved. All the men wanted to do, was, well, that’s another story, but, none the less, they were being slowly dragged in.
Around 1:47pm, as the puzzle was being put together later, the white truck pulled onto the block. It crept up the block, up to each house, going up the hill, toward the sun. The sound of the engine grew louder, as it came down the hill. As it turned the corner, husbands ran down the hill, with Mr. Mac Murphy sustaining a rather large, purplish blacktop burn due to sliding on the slick pavement. The sudden stop of hitting the telephone pole didn’t help, as he managed to slide hip first into it. The medics have said he will be cleared to come home in a few days, after the wound has been cleaned and dressed. As a precaution, he is being flown by helicopter to Special Hospital For Surgery.
The Post Master was on his private 32 ft baby, coasting up down from Seaside towards Point Pleasant, unaware he was part of a National News Story. For Jamie, was not one to be trifled with. She was not Block President for nothing. And she had an army behind her. When her husband went to work, so did she.
She called the women and their families over for a BBQ. Her plan was to wine and dine them, as her prowess in the kitchen was legendary. She called up a few baby sitters, so the parents could listen, as she told them of the next move in the chess match, and the ultimate goal. To get the mail, and the legendary school letter which held the promise of creative learning and endless discussions over homework, such as why do we have so much, why can’t I do it later, why do my teachers hate me, and the ever famous, but so and so mom’s says she doesn’t have to finish it all, why then oh why I do I. But that’s another story.
A few of the husbands, Air, Sky, The Kid brought over their favorite liquid lubrications, which should never be mixed together, and Jamie, being a former mixologist at Studio 54, was cooking up Fuzzy Navels, Slo Gin Fizzes, and Alabama Slammers. By dusk, the crowd, which grew to include the parents of the surrounding blocks, do what unruly crowds do, when faced with such a crisis in the lives of their precious kids.
They went into garages and into their sheds. They raided patios and decks. They headed toward Target, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Lowe’s and Home Depot. They headed to local hardware stores, who all believed that Christmas had come in August. And they bought, took, stole, and acquired all the Tiki torches and pitch forks in the land. And they headed down the block together like never before, to the Post Office they go. Also lost in all of this, was the voice of reason.
SUNDAY MORNING
The road would have to be closed till morning, due to the massive clean up. The Sheriff wanted to ask for volunteers, but most of the possible recruits were lying on the ground, soaking wet, face down, in the mud, handcuffed and didn’t seem inclined to help. A few were over by the ambulances, being treated for various scrapes and abrasions. Sally Jenkins was bring treated for broken ribs, as the force of the water through the fire hose caused her to fly into The Kid, who slammed into a parked car, where he injured his back. He was lying in the ambulance, helping himself to the Nitrous Oxide they had taken instead of the oxygen tank.
The pitch forks were stacked in piles and burned by the few torches still let. The rest lie smoldering on the battlefield. It was a rather easy victory for the Police. A few smart parents dropped their torches and ran when they were asked tp stand down by the 6ft 7inc, former starting offensive tackle for the local football team and most intimidating officer on the force. The rest chanting, “We want our bloody school letters”, kept marching. The shit hit the fan when Jamie, who had had enough with being “madam-ed” by Chief of Police Tinkler, lit his uniform jacket on fire, by putting the touch to the back of it. Fire Marshall Bill turned the hoses on The Chief and Jamie. Then the gathered throng rushed forward with all the calm and rational thinking of a European Soccer crowd.
As there was no damage done to the facility, or any officer harmed, except for the Chief who is recovering from second degree ass-burns and has to sit on a do-nut for the next 6 weeks. No charges were filed, however Jamie was stripped of her title and cannot even participate in the school annual Baking Cookoff and Sale. Thus, did die her plans to storm the Offices of the Superintendent and all schools, while chanting,
“We don't need no education
We dont need no thought control
No dark sarcasm in the classroom
Teachers leave them kids alone
Hey! Teachers! Leave them kids alone!
All in all it's just another brick in the wall.
All in all you're just another brick in the wall.”
And all of this happened to avoid interaction with the taxpayers and a mistake, since the mail tray was found; it was switched with a tray of outgoing mail and went back to a central facility. It was delivered, on time, to each home early Monday afternoon.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
A Brick Bandits Interview: A Few Minutes With Darnell Stapleton
Darnell Stapleton Super Bowl Champion with Mike V. CEO Brick Bandits
When you first meet Darnell Stapleton, you meet a young man who is deeply committed to his community, be it his hometown of Union, NJ, or his teammates out in Pittsburgh. A graduate of Union High School in 2003 and of Rutgers University, where he earned a BA in Labor Studies and Management, his road to NFL success has not been easy. An un-drafted free agent who had “8 or 9 teams call after the draft, looking to sign me”, he chose the Pittsburgh Steelers. Through hard work, attention to details and a commitment to his dreams, he was the starter at Right Guard for the Super Bowl Champions.
Mike V, CEO of Brick Bandits talked about how he first met Darnell when they moved in down the block. “He was the first neighbor who came over to meet us. He told us, if we needed anything to talk to him.” This impressed Mike because the spirit of neighbor, of being a part of the community, is one of the driving forces of Brick Bandits.
Darnell is a role model and it a role that suits him. He spends the off-season in the home he grew up in, going to elementary schools in the area and talking to the kids. His message is a simple, yet powerful one, “never give up on yourself.” As a student, Darnell’s favorite subject was Math and his favorite teachers were his gym teachers, who, in his words, “took care of me.”
After High school and before his time at Rutgers, he attended Hudson Valley Community College to “get his grades straight” since he wanted to attend a Division 1 school. This dedication to education shows he values developing his mind as well as his football skills.
When asked about his NFL career, he is very humble. He spoke about how Center Jeff Hartings helped him in his first year learn about life as a Professional Football player. As a rookie, he had to do the usual stuff, like carry the vet’s pads during training camp, buying breakfast for his fellow lineman on Saturdays, and paying for dinner at the end of the season,. (“I dropped about $15,000.00 on that meal”, he chuckled). He has met former Pro-Bowl Center Dermontti Dawson (one his favorite players) and Mel Blount. When asked about the past Steelers, he said the attitude is “once a Steeler, always a Steeler”, so the players from the past are always there, willing to talk to the players and help them out with words of advice and encouragement.
And here are a few bricks that make him who he is:
Favorite Foods: Gyro’s Pizza and Burger King (Double Whopper with Cheese, no onions)
Favorite Music: Rap, R&B, and Reggee (“ I find it very relaxing”), and will listen to anything. As he pointed out, his teammates come from all over the US and everyone exposes each other to what their favorites are
Favorite Movies: “Coming To America” & “The Last Dragon”
Favorite Toy Growing Up: Nintendo, especially the Duck Hunt Game and Track & Field, with the finger pads
Favorite Superhero: Superman (who is also Mike V’s favorite)
4 People from History who he’d like to have dinner with:
President Obama
Dermontti Dawson
Martin Luther King Jr.
His Grandmother on his father’s side (“I never met her, as she passed before I was born”, he said. “I want to find out about what they had to go through and how they did it.” He is very close to his other Grandma, who calls him with words of encouragement and is an inspiration to him.)
Hobbies during the Season: Video Games
In The Off-Season : Video Games and Golf (I’m hooked on Golf. Ping set me up with custom clubs (due to his size). I like the game because you can play like trash one day and the next, I got an eagle & a birdie.”)
As for the future, he’d like to get into coaching once his career is over (hopefully a long time from now). And even though he did not give a reason, it would be safe to say that as a student of the game, it would be his way to help others and be a part of the game he loves to play.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
What We Used To Know
"COMMON SENSE IS THE MOST UNCOMMON SENSE OF ALL"
I must have missed the memo. Somewhere along the line, it became acceptable to be totally self-centered. It became ok to not hold doors open, to say “please” or “thank you”, to answer the phone with “whatta ya want” rather than “hello”, to forget about common courtesy. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. We could talk about the disrespectful ways that kids talk to parents and the way some parents respond back (my favorite is I’m gonna beat your a** when we get home).
What, it’s not ok? So I didn’t miss the memo or misread it. But if it isn’t ok, why is it happening more and more. Let’s take a look at 2 specific examples and see where the solution could be.
Two people are walking side by side down the street. Each is engrossed in their own little world due to the magic of wireless communication. Their gestures become grander and more animated as their volume rises and the tone of their voice grows confrontational. They bump into each other and exchange angry looks, since each believes the other to be rude and not paying attention to the surroundings. They try to eavesdrop on the argument the other is having on the phone, while conducting one themselves, and getting ready to start a new one. Because you are “getting in my business” while on a public street, yelling and carrying on.
Does this seem familiar? You can have this experience EVERY DAY, in the parking lot, in the malls, walking down the street. It doesn’t matter where, because it’s everywhere. This is such a total lack of common sense and common courtesy that it would be funny if it wasn’t tragic. The common sense part is easy to see. If you don’t want people in YOUR business, don’t discuss it over the phone where people can HEAR you. Find a quiet spot where you can sit down and talk. And just because the phone rings, doesn’t mean we have to drop everything and answer it.
When you’re checking out and the cashier is on their private phone, talking and not paying attention to you, the customer, you have a right to be upset. I see people leave shopping carts full of merchandise and walk out when they are treated rudely. The cashier always says it was “an important call” and they “had to take it”. But you are being paid to provide a service. Phones have this wonderful feature known as voice mail. This way you can return the call at your convenience and not inconvenience others with your selfish behavior.
The examples of a lack of common courtesy are just as numerous. Flailing your arms, knocking into people, talking loudly and aggressively in a crowd by acting with an over blown sense of self importance, inappropriate language, and a general disregard for others are apparent for others to experience.
Then there is my personal favorite example of inappropriate behaviors, elevators and bus stops. In each case you have one group of people, who are in a small, confined area trying to get out. There is a second group, who are trying to get into said small space. Common sense should tell you that people have to get out before you can get in, right. Then why do people crowd around the doorway, preventing people from exiting? Common courtesy should tell you to back up, out of the way, so there will be room.
It boils down to manners. The decline in interactive skills is due to the changing nature of our lifestyles. We are becoming more solitary, spending less time developing new relationships with our neighbors, while finding new excuses went we haven’t called our BFF in two years. As we stop interacting with people, we forget the little things and thus, our interaction suffers.
I must have missed the memo. Somewhere along the line, it became acceptable to be totally self-centered. It became ok to not hold doors open, to say “please” or “thank you”, to answer the phone with “whatta ya want” rather than “hello”, to forget about common courtesy. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. We could talk about the disrespectful ways that kids talk to parents and the way some parents respond back (my favorite is I’m gonna beat your a** when we get home).
What, it’s not ok? So I didn’t miss the memo or misread it. But if it isn’t ok, why is it happening more and more. Let’s take a look at 2 specific examples and see where the solution could be.
Two people are walking side by side down the street. Each is engrossed in their own little world due to the magic of wireless communication. Their gestures become grander and more animated as their volume rises and the tone of their voice grows confrontational. They bump into each other and exchange angry looks, since each believes the other to be rude and not paying attention to the surroundings. They try to eavesdrop on the argument the other is having on the phone, while conducting one themselves, and getting ready to start a new one. Because you are “getting in my business” while on a public street, yelling and carrying on.
Does this seem familiar? You can have this experience EVERY DAY, in the parking lot, in the malls, walking down the street. It doesn’t matter where, because it’s everywhere. This is such a total lack of common sense and common courtesy that it would be funny if it wasn’t tragic. The common sense part is easy to see. If you don’t want people in YOUR business, don’t discuss it over the phone where people can HEAR you. Find a quiet spot where you can sit down and talk. And just because the phone rings, doesn’t mean we have to drop everything and answer it.
When you’re checking out and the cashier is on their private phone, talking and not paying attention to you, the customer, you have a right to be upset. I see people leave shopping carts full of merchandise and walk out when they are treated rudely. The cashier always says it was “an important call” and they “had to take it”. But you are being paid to provide a service. Phones have this wonderful feature known as voice mail. This way you can return the call at your convenience and not inconvenience others with your selfish behavior.
The examples of a lack of common courtesy are just as numerous. Flailing your arms, knocking into people, talking loudly and aggressively in a crowd by acting with an over blown sense of self importance, inappropriate language, and a general disregard for others are apparent for others to experience.
Then there is my personal favorite example of inappropriate behaviors, elevators and bus stops. In each case you have one group of people, who are in a small, confined area trying to get out. There is a second group, who are trying to get into said small space. Common sense should tell you that people have to get out before you can get in, right. Then why do people crowd around the doorway, preventing people from exiting? Common courtesy should tell you to back up, out of the way, so there will be room.
It boils down to manners. The decline in interactive skills is due to the changing nature of our lifestyles. We are becoming more solitary, spending less time developing new relationships with our neighbors, while finding new excuses went we haven’t called our BFF in two years. As we stop interacting with people, we forget the little things and thus, our interaction suffers.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Building Success Habits
Every year it’s the same thing as we reflect on what we did and what we accomplished. Then, with pen in hand, we write our list of resolutions, of changes we’d like to make in the next 12 months. The health club parking lots, which are filled to capacity in January, have no shortage of spaces by March. The kick the cigarette pledge is gone at the first sign of stress.
Breaking a habit or creating a new one takes 28 days of work, a relatively short period of time but not to the person making who’s trying to change. Change is the one area of our lives that we struggle with, even though it is inevitable. By planning and hard work, we can develop a plan for change and improvement. Here are a few success habits that we can make our own in 2008.
1. You wouldn’t get behind the wheel of a car without directions, so why drive your career into the ground?
Achievers write out a list of goals, broken up into long term and short term, to focus their energies on the important. This is a habit we can get into. Our long term goal is to find a new career. In the short term, we have to research the field we want to get into, gather information about the companies we want to work for and contact our network for leads, ideas, and advise. Next comes crafting a resume, writing an effective cover letter, and preparing for those interview questions. By creating a list of goals, we are better able to stay on the right path and get to where we want to go.
2. Turn off the TV and turn on your mind.
Or to look at it another way, learning is earning. By reading 15 minutes a day, we are exposed to new ideas and are improving our communication skills. By taking a class, we are able to try something new, learn a skill, earn a certificate, and develop a hobby or interest into a moneymaking endeavor. But when the TV is on, all attention is drawn to it like moths to a flame. So instead of reading the TV Guide, look for something of interest or for some career information. It will pay off in the long run.
3. Dream
Dream? What do you mean dream? I dream when I sleep, right. So why should I have to dream. It is our dreams that guide and inspire us. Make a collage of what you want, showing pictures of places you want to live, cars you want to drive, and stuff you want to buy. This will help you to see the potential rewards of your hard work and effort.
4. Be a friend, make a friend.
No man is an island. We need people to talk to, to help and help us, to guide and to guide us. As we grow up and move on in life, we need new people to encourage and inspire us. By joining clubs or organizations that interest us, we will meet new people, who we can add to our contact lists.
Breaking a habit or creating a new one takes 28 days of work, a relatively short period of time but not to the person making who’s trying to change. Change is the one area of our lives that we struggle with, even though it is inevitable. By planning and hard work, we can develop a plan for change and improvement. Here are a few success habits that we can make our own in 2008.
1. You wouldn’t get behind the wheel of a car without directions, so why drive your career into the ground?
Achievers write out a list of goals, broken up into long term and short term, to focus their energies on the important. This is a habit we can get into. Our long term goal is to find a new career. In the short term, we have to research the field we want to get into, gather information about the companies we want to work for and contact our network for leads, ideas, and advise. Next comes crafting a resume, writing an effective cover letter, and preparing for those interview questions. By creating a list of goals, we are better able to stay on the right path and get to where we want to go.
2. Turn off the TV and turn on your mind.
Or to look at it another way, learning is earning. By reading 15 minutes a day, we are exposed to new ideas and are improving our communication skills. By taking a class, we are able to try something new, learn a skill, earn a certificate, and develop a hobby or interest into a moneymaking endeavor. But when the TV is on, all attention is drawn to it like moths to a flame. So instead of reading the TV Guide, look for something of interest or for some career information. It will pay off in the long run.
3. Dream
Dream? What do you mean dream? I dream when I sleep, right. So why should I have to dream. It is our dreams that guide and inspire us. Make a collage of what you want, showing pictures of places you want to live, cars you want to drive, and stuff you want to buy. This will help you to see the potential rewards of your hard work and effort.
4. Be a friend, make a friend.
No man is an island. We need people to talk to, to help and help us, to guide and to guide us. As we grow up and move on in life, we need new people to encourage and inspire us. By joining clubs or organizations that interest us, we will meet new people, who we can add to our contact lists.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
CHANGES
“Things do not change. We do.” H.D. Thoreau
If there is one constant in life, one thing that occurs, that we have no power over, is change. Change happens whether we want it or not. Sometimes we are agents of change and then there are those times where we are its pawn.
Change is inevitable.
It signals challenges to be overcome, opportunities to learn and discover new things. It happens. And the only part of this entire process that we can have control over, is how we handle change.
The funny part of all of this is that change is a constant companion to our life. We deal with changes in attitudes, changes of thoughts; it appears in the clothes we wear, music we listen to, shows we watch. It is part of the fabric of the workplace, with new employees coming while others are going, either upward or out the door. There is always a new improved plan, to replace the last new and improved plan. The computer changes how we perform our jobs, but even then, it changes. New software, flat screens, faster connection to information, more information about any topic we can think of is at our fingertips.
Yet we treat change as an enemy, as something to fear. We are hesitant to embrace change, mostly because it is the unknown, but also because it is different. Instead of treating the differences as an opportunity to learn, to grow and develop new talents, ideas and skills, we hunker down and draw a line in the sand. For that’s all it is, an imaginary wall build to ward off the prospect of change.
We change tires, change our socks, change the channel, change our hairdo, change diapers, change our address, change our number, change our mind, change our friends, but accept change, well, that’s another story.
But we can beat change at its own game.
We can embrace it! We can learn from it, and inevitably profit from it. We can use change to grow new opportunities, to be exposed to new ideas, new experiences, which will help us further develop our talents. And the chances to step out of our shells, get off our best intentions, and DO.
See, here is the secret. We change a bit every day. We are exposed to new people, new sounds, new ideas, new books, and bit by bit, we are not the same person we were last week, last month, or last year. Because all living things change. It’s a part of life.
If there is one constant in life, one thing that occurs, that we have no power over, is change. Change happens whether we want it or not. Sometimes we are agents of change and then there are those times where we are its pawn.
Change is inevitable.
It signals challenges to be overcome, opportunities to learn and discover new things. It happens. And the only part of this entire process that we can have control over, is how we handle change.
The funny part of all of this is that change is a constant companion to our life. We deal with changes in attitudes, changes of thoughts; it appears in the clothes we wear, music we listen to, shows we watch. It is part of the fabric of the workplace, with new employees coming while others are going, either upward or out the door. There is always a new improved plan, to replace the last new and improved plan. The computer changes how we perform our jobs, but even then, it changes. New software, flat screens, faster connection to information, more information about any topic we can think of is at our fingertips.
Yet we treat change as an enemy, as something to fear. We are hesitant to embrace change, mostly because it is the unknown, but also because it is different. Instead of treating the differences as an opportunity to learn, to grow and develop new talents, ideas and skills, we hunker down and draw a line in the sand. For that’s all it is, an imaginary wall build to ward off the prospect of change.
We change tires, change our socks, change the channel, change our hairdo, change diapers, change our address, change our number, change our mind, change our friends, but accept change, well, that’s another story.
But we can beat change at its own game.
We can embrace it! We can learn from it, and inevitably profit from it. We can use change to grow new opportunities, to be exposed to new ideas, new experiences, which will help us further develop our talents. And the chances to step out of our shells, get off our best intentions, and DO.
See, here is the secret. We change a bit every day. We are exposed to new people, new sounds, new ideas, new books, and bit by bit, we are not the same person we were last week, last month, or last year. Because all living things change. It’s a part of life.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Finding A Home In Non-Profits
“I am a jack of all trades kind of person, with a variety of interests, skills, and talents. Is there a place for me in today’s workforce?”
Want to love what you do? Make a difference? Learn about people and yourself in the process? Are you an encourager? Are you emphatic? If this sounds like you, there is a great place to find your niche and those challenging opportunities for personal and professional growth and development, work for a Non-Profit.
Yes, the wonderful, rewarding realm of the Non-Profits could be just the ticket. These are organizations designed to help, either people or causes, in some way, shape or form and come in a variety of opportunities. Social Service agencies, local, county, state, and federal government positions, and public education are places to consider.
The benefits of working at non-government social service organizations are as numerous as the types of positions that are available. Most of these agencies consist of a small, versatile, dedicated staff that is committed to an ideal. No, you don’t have to drink the kool-aid to join; just care, show up, and be accountable. These are the types of careers that are worth more than a paycheck. They are a way to make a positive difference by giving people a hand up. Being lean, these agencies value flexibility, the ability to multi-task, and the willingness and ability to learn on the fly. They look for problem solvers who can think outside of the box and be up to trying new ideas to resolve problems.
The government is one of the largest non-profit employers. True, most of us do not think of the government as a non-profit, but it is what it is. The role of government, on every level, is to provide services to its citizens. These services run the gamut from accounting to Zoology, from Law Enforcement to Forestry, from, well, you get the idea. And in terms of a benefits package, the government, especially state and federal employees, is not to be sneezed at. This is a field that relies on people who want to serve and is always on the lookout for talented individuals. Yes, you do have to jump through more hoops, and the pay in the private sector is higher, but there is a dignity, a feeling of pride, in working for the government.
Public Education is a great place to explore when looking for the right work “home”. Classroom teachers rely on creativity and effective communication skills to impart knowledge to their students. With summers off as the primary perk, life in the classroom means being organized, observant, understanding, and being prepared are essential for learning to occur. And if you have the ability to remain calm under stress, and think not only on your feet but outside of the box as well, will mean you are one of those teachers who your students will remember.
And teaching is only one career opportunity in this field. There are numerous positions in administration, food service, maintenance, medicine, support staff, and transportation, which insure our children are taken care of properly and are ready to compete.
The real impact of Non-Profits is in community based organizations. Most of these organizations were founded by people who saw a need and filled it. These could be support groups, which provide someone to listen, to empathize, and to inform. They are environmental groups who fight for the “greater good” by making people aware of what is going on and who are not afraid of getting their hands dirty to help clean up the mess.
So if you want a career where you can make a positive difference, help your community, help others, and get that warm glow of accomplishment in your heart, look into careers at Non-Profits. All you touch will be glad you did.
Want to love what you do? Make a difference? Learn about people and yourself in the process? Are you an encourager? Are you emphatic? If this sounds like you, there is a great place to find your niche and those challenging opportunities for personal and professional growth and development, work for a Non-Profit.
Yes, the wonderful, rewarding realm of the Non-Profits could be just the ticket. These are organizations designed to help, either people or causes, in some way, shape or form and come in a variety of opportunities. Social Service agencies, local, county, state, and federal government positions, and public education are places to consider.
The benefits of working at non-government social service organizations are as numerous as the types of positions that are available. Most of these agencies consist of a small, versatile, dedicated staff that is committed to an ideal. No, you don’t have to drink the kool-aid to join; just care, show up, and be accountable. These are the types of careers that are worth more than a paycheck. They are a way to make a positive difference by giving people a hand up. Being lean, these agencies value flexibility, the ability to multi-task, and the willingness and ability to learn on the fly. They look for problem solvers who can think outside of the box and be up to trying new ideas to resolve problems.
The government is one of the largest non-profit employers. True, most of us do not think of the government as a non-profit, but it is what it is. The role of government, on every level, is to provide services to its citizens. These services run the gamut from accounting to Zoology, from Law Enforcement to Forestry, from, well, you get the idea. And in terms of a benefits package, the government, especially state and federal employees, is not to be sneezed at. This is a field that relies on people who want to serve and is always on the lookout for talented individuals. Yes, you do have to jump through more hoops, and the pay in the private sector is higher, but there is a dignity, a feeling of pride, in working for the government.
Public Education is a great place to explore when looking for the right work “home”. Classroom teachers rely on creativity and effective communication skills to impart knowledge to their students. With summers off as the primary perk, life in the classroom means being organized, observant, understanding, and being prepared are essential for learning to occur. And if you have the ability to remain calm under stress, and think not only on your feet but outside of the box as well, will mean you are one of those teachers who your students will remember.
And teaching is only one career opportunity in this field. There are numerous positions in administration, food service, maintenance, medicine, support staff, and transportation, which insure our children are taken care of properly and are ready to compete.
The real impact of Non-Profits is in community based organizations. Most of these organizations were founded by people who saw a need and filled it. These could be support groups, which provide someone to listen, to empathize, and to inform. They are environmental groups who fight for the “greater good” by making people aware of what is going on and who are not afraid of getting their hands dirty to help clean up the mess.
So if you want a career where you can make a positive difference, help your community, help others, and get that warm glow of accomplishment in your heart, look into careers at Non-Profits. All you touch will be glad you did.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Just What Is It You're Trying To Say
“What we have here is a failure to communicate.” Cool Hand Luke
When I sat down to write this article about the importance of Communication Skills in the 21st century workplace, you would think that this story would write itself. It seems like an easy idea to explain. Just look at all the different ways we have to get a message out; TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, billboards, t-shirts, telephone, fax, e-mail, voice mail, a memo, reports, the way we dress, the tone of voice, body language, choice of words, but how to approach this subject.
As with any broad based topic, we need a place to start. Going to a handy dictionary, this was the definition that was written; Communication is an act or instance of transmitting information. The key here is passing along information. And the more effective we are, the better opportunities for career advancement and growth will appear.
When most of us think about this topic, we think of the spoken word. And one thing we learn, is that there is more to this than meets the ear. The tone of voice, pace, diction and the words we choose play into whether or not our message is understood (not just heard). Good communication allows others to hear the message and pass it on. Knowing who your audience is and the reason why you are talking to them enables you to focus the message so the person you’re talking to can not only “hear’ but understand what exactly is being communicated.
To help strengthen this part of communication, the key is to listen. Listen to a reporter or an education\nature program. Hear how people use words to describe events and ideas. Then, talk to someone about what you heard. Put the information into your own words so you can understand it first. Then, pass the knowledge along. Listen to what the listener is saying so you can try to hear what they heard. Make sure that both parties have an understanding of the idea and build on it. Listening is a passive skill that pays a HUGE dividend. To be able to solve a problem, one needs to listen to the details, the story behind the event. Asking questions, repeating back what was said, allows you to see where the problem lies and sometimes offers simple solutions. There is an old saying, “we have 2 ears and one mouth and they should be used in proportion”. Listen twice as much as you talk.
The most intimidating and therefore uncomfortable way of Communicating is by the written word. Brevity, the right choice of analogies, and the words chosen paint a picture. Great writing is an art, but good, effective writing, delivering information in an easy to understand way, is what communications are all about. Pace and flow are important, but spelling and grammar more so. With spell check, dictionaries, and thesauruses at arm’s reach, there is only 1 excuse for mistakes of this type, carelessness. When you take your time and put the effort into developing your writing skills, it is an investment in yourself.
And how do you develop this skill? By writing, of course. Yes, you have to sit down with a pen and paper (or sit in front of a computer) and write something. Get used to writing again. Write out instructions on how to make ice cubes or do laundry. Look at how you present each step. Make sure the key points are covered. Use easily understood words. Let someone else read it and see if they can follow your instructions.
Reading is a very important aspect of strengthening Communication skills. As you read, you begin to see how others generate an idea clearly. You can learn how to use words better and develop your vocabulary.
We communicate in many different ways. Each brings a dimension, a depth to the information, such as its importance and how we recall and use it. Like most skills, you can make it stronger thru practice. The clearer you can get to the point and make it successfully, will determine the opportunities your future will hold.
When I sat down to write this article about the importance of Communication Skills in the 21st century workplace, you would think that this story would write itself. It seems like an easy idea to explain. Just look at all the different ways we have to get a message out; TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, billboards, t-shirts, telephone, fax, e-mail, voice mail, a memo, reports, the way we dress, the tone of voice, body language, choice of words, but how to approach this subject.
As with any broad based topic, we need a place to start. Going to a handy dictionary, this was the definition that was written; Communication is an act or instance of transmitting information. The key here is passing along information. And the more effective we are, the better opportunities for career advancement and growth will appear.
When most of us think about this topic, we think of the spoken word. And one thing we learn, is that there is more to this than meets the ear. The tone of voice, pace, diction and the words we choose play into whether or not our message is understood (not just heard). Good communication allows others to hear the message and pass it on. Knowing who your audience is and the reason why you are talking to them enables you to focus the message so the person you’re talking to can not only “hear’ but understand what exactly is being communicated.
To help strengthen this part of communication, the key is to listen. Listen to a reporter or an education\nature program. Hear how people use words to describe events and ideas. Then, talk to someone about what you heard. Put the information into your own words so you can understand it first. Then, pass the knowledge along. Listen to what the listener is saying so you can try to hear what they heard. Make sure that both parties have an understanding of the idea and build on it. Listening is a passive skill that pays a HUGE dividend. To be able to solve a problem, one needs to listen to the details, the story behind the event. Asking questions, repeating back what was said, allows you to see where the problem lies and sometimes offers simple solutions. There is an old saying, “we have 2 ears and one mouth and they should be used in proportion”. Listen twice as much as you talk.
The most intimidating and therefore uncomfortable way of Communicating is by the written word. Brevity, the right choice of analogies, and the words chosen paint a picture. Great writing is an art, but good, effective writing, delivering information in an easy to understand way, is what communications are all about. Pace and flow are important, but spelling and grammar more so. With spell check, dictionaries, and thesauruses at arm’s reach, there is only 1 excuse for mistakes of this type, carelessness. When you take your time and put the effort into developing your writing skills, it is an investment in yourself.
And how do you develop this skill? By writing, of course. Yes, you have to sit down with a pen and paper (or sit in front of a computer) and write something. Get used to writing again. Write out instructions on how to make ice cubes or do laundry. Look at how you present each step. Make sure the key points are covered. Use easily understood words. Let someone else read it and see if they can follow your instructions.
Reading is a very important aspect of strengthening Communication skills. As you read, you begin to see how others generate an idea clearly. You can learn how to use words better and develop your vocabulary.
We communicate in many different ways. Each brings a dimension, a depth to the information, such as its importance and how we recall and use it. Like most skills, you can make it stronger thru practice. The clearer you can get to the point and make it successfully, will determine the opportunities your future will hold.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Key Word Games
“Why don’t they do what they say, say what you mean, one thing leads to another”-The Fixx?
We’ve all heard the expression choose your words carefully and in writing your resume, the right words can mean the difference between a great resume and an ineffective one. One helpful clue to remember is choosing words what fit your mouth. And make sure you know the meaning of the words you use.
We’ve all heard the expression choose your words carefully and in writing your resume, the right words can mean the difference between a great resume and an ineffective one. One helpful clue to remember is choosing words what fit your mouth. And make sure you know the meaning of the words you use.
Choose Action Words
Use power words, words that describe action. Watch out for wishy-washy statements such as assisted. Assisted brings the image of someone who stood around in the background and only did something when asked. Say instead, part of a Team. You did the work, get the proper credit.
Use Ad Words
In the Ad you answered, the company told you exactly what they were looking for. So why don’t we tell them exactly what they want to hear?
When you answer an Ad, your resume is placed into the company database. Once here, it is scanned by a computer program, looking for Keywords. Which words?
The words used in the Ad, of course! The ones with the highest number of matches are then selected, by the computer, to go to the next step. This is a prime example of why you should tell the company what they want to hear.
Depth
When choosing words, look at the deeper meaning and which fits better. People constantly say they are reliable and dependable. But what they really mean is responsible. Create vs. develop is another example. Flexible vs. versatile. Assist vs. part of a Team.
Use power words, words that describe action. Watch out for wishy-washy statements such as assisted. Assisted brings the image of someone who stood around in the background and only did something when asked. Say instead, part of a Team. You did the work, get the proper credit.
Use Ad Words
In the Ad you answered, the company told you exactly what they were looking for. So why don’t we tell them exactly what they want to hear?
When you answer an Ad, your resume is placed into the company database. Once here, it is scanned by a computer program, looking for Keywords. Which words?
The words used in the Ad, of course! The ones with the highest number of matches are then selected, by the computer, to go to the next step. This is a prime example of why you should tell the company what they want to hear.
Depth
When choosing words, look at the deeper meaning and which fits better. People constantly say they are reliable and dependable. But what they really mean is responsible. Create vs. develop is another example. Flexible vs. versatile. Assist vs. part of a Team.
Know the Industry
This is one area where your knowledge of and research will pay off. By using the “language” of the industry, you can make your points meaningful. It shows interest in the field and respect for the job/company. The more you know, the better you can stand out and make an impact.
When you say what you mean, with words that fit, people notice. And since success in your career depends on your communication skills, make sure you choose the right words.
This is one area where your knowledge of and research will pay off. By using the “language” of the industry, you can make your points meaningful. It shows interest in the field and respect for the job/company. The more you know, the better you can stand out and make an impact.
When you say what you mean, with words that fit, people notice. And since success in your career depends on your communication skills, make sure you choose the right words.
Friday, May 22, 2009
The How's & Why's Of Saying Thanks
“We have a few more interviews scheduled and we’re looking at making a decision toward the end of next week. Thank you for coming in and talking to us.” Those words are the last words we hear when leaving an interview. We get up, shake hands, extend a few cordial words, and walk out the door. Now, all that’s left is the waiting game, right?Wrong.
There is still something left to do, a critically important piece to the job search puzzle that needs to be filled in, the Thank You Letter.
Don’t underestimate its power. It could be a deciding factor in your favor, especially when other candidates with similar experience, qualifications and skills are awaiting their turn to dazzle a prospective employer. And most employers expect candidates to write a Thank You Letter.
Reasons Why:
This letter serves many important purposes, which we’ll look at here.
#1: You know you’re perfect for the job. This is a one-on-one opportunity to reinforce your good points. Plus, it shows you are courteous, knowledgeable and professional.
#2: You mis-spoke or were unclear about some of the answers you gave. You have an opportunity to correct and explain what you really meant to say in a more relaxed forum.
#3: You were not asked about other experiences and skills you have that will enable to successfully fulfill the requirements for the position. Here is where you can talk about those skills and how they will let you make an immediate, positive, productive impact.
#4: Gives you an opportunity to demonstrate your written communication skills.
#5: Do not use a form letter; write a personal letter to each person you spoke to during the interview. This is known as attention to detail and will, once again, enable you to demonstrate another skill you have.
Regardless of how you decide to send your Thank You letter, follow professional business letter standard. Since e-mail is the quickest way, more candidates are utilizing this method. But using the curtsy NET stuff, like emoticons, short hand and acronyms, are not the way to go. A Thank You card or hand written note are also acceptable, especially in fields where dealing with people, are key parts of the job.
As with any correspondence, make sure spelling (especially names), titles, grammar are all correct. All of this will help you to be remembered in a positive way.
If you do what others won’t, you’ll get the results they don’t.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
The Wisdom Of Bob
Bob is a teacher, which is one of the highest compliments that a person can earn. He is one who decides to share his knowledge and experience, to help people find their inner strengths and skills, so it can be presented (or marketed) when looking for a new career. Bob presents workshops which are designed to show people how smart they are, to help them bring the knowledge out and how to effectively use it. Honest answers, based in truth and that don’t start with “once upon a time”, are the type of answers a businessman will respect, as long as the decision maker can see the value. See, Bob is an entrepaneur, a calculated risk-taker, who knows the importance and effectiveness of marketing ideas, services, and people. On the board in his classroom are numerous quotes, designed to aid in this journey.
“Do you know Windows 2525?”
Looking at the question, the answer is obvious, no. This is a simple, truthful answer. You can logically say that it has not been invented yet, which is also a fact. But, if this were an interview, or a sales call, where marketing reasons why the correct choice would be to choose you (or the product\service you represent), is this the best, honest answer?
“No” does not help. Whenever a question can be answered by a yes or no answer, it limits what you can say. It shuts the window of conversation and does not allow you to talk about the value of what you bring to the workplace. Now, what if, instead of no, there was another, equally truthful answer, that can give you an opportunity to strut your stuff?
Speak first about what you do know. The question was about computer and software applications. Why not talk about the products you DO know, your experiences using databases, spreadsheets, word processing programs. This lets you talk about what you can do with the knowledge you have learned. Telling them about your willing and ability to learn is also just as truthful. This shows what you can accomplish.
These truths will help you to connect the dots between different jobs by describing the transferable skills in your possession. Now you won’t be asked about Windows 2525, you will be asked why, with your background in security, you want to be an educator. You can talk about any of the following, relatable skills; observation, record keeping, problem solving, communication. These are used by people in education, as well as security, every day. By having an understanding of your skills, you can build a bridge between what you’ve done and what you want to do.
“It is what it is. Deal with it and move on.”
Just as there are successes in our career path, there were also potholes or places where one took their eyes off the road. The unexpected occurred, and there was a penalty to be paid for the occurrence. Surefire ways to not work in your favor is to blame others, avoid the issue, and tell half-truths. These types of answers go straight to one’s credibility and do not help.
When dealing with job termination, periods of long unemployment, or a release from the service of the state (jail), tell the truth. Put what happened in context, take responsibility for your part, stress the lessons learned, and talk about the fact that this was an isolated incident which has not been repeated. Will everyone listen and give you a chance?
You want the truth?
That answer is no. But at the very least, they will respect you for your personal honesty and integrity. Admitting one’s mistakes and learning from them (the important piece that you must make sure to mention) shows personal growth, determination to overcome obstacles, and focus. It gives you a position of strength to show what you learned. And how you are a different person because of what you have gone through.
“Look with eyes that see.”
This is a classic “Bob-ism” about the power of observation. Too often, people run through their day, being busy, but in reality, unproductive. We run to the store, run to get the kids, all the time, running right past opportunities. The focus is on the end result, not on seeing the clues which will enable us to seize the moment of opportunity when it arrives. For example, you are a cashier, you’re good at it, but bagging merchandise isn’t what you want to do for the rest of your life. But since you “see” yourself as a cashier, you only apply for cashier jobs.
When you look with eyes that see, the realization of what cashiering is, becomes apparent. It is an accuracy and understanding of working with numbers. Now, by “seeing” this, it shows other possible career paths, such as in Accounting and Finance (Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, Budgets, and Bookkeeping) or working in a Bank. The skill is being accurate, comfortable with numbers, and the ability to understand what the numbers mean.
Stop looking at things in only one light. To have a career in healthcare, you need a degree as a Doctor or Nurse, right? Or do you need a certificate for working as a therapist, Home Health Aide, CAN, or PCT? Is this true?
NO.
Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Long and Short term care facilities, medical centers need people in maintenance, security, public relations, operations, human resources, accounting, food service, and customer service to mention a few. Looking with eyes that “see” gives you the power and ability to delve into alternatives, using your skills in new arenas of employment, for a future so bright, you gotta wear shades.
As we see, Bob has a unique way to get his point across. The key to his messages, is to recognize opportunities for growth and in interpreting and presenting information that has value.
“Do you know Windows 2525?”
Looking at the question, the answer is obvious, no. This is a simple, truthful answer. You can logically say that it has not been invented yet, which is also a fact. But, if this were an interview, or a sales call, where marketing reasons why the correct choice would be to choose you (or the product\service you represent), is this the best, honest answer?
“No” does not help. Whenever a question can be answered by a yes or no answer, it limits what you can say. It shuts the window of conversation and does not allow you to talk about the value of what you bring to the workplace. Now, what if, instead of no, there was another, equally truthful answer, that can give you an opportunity to strut your stuff?
Speak first about what you do know. The question was about computer and software applications. Why not talk about the products you DO know, your experiences using databases, spreadsheets, word processing programs. This lets you talk about what you can do with the knowledge you have learned. Telling them about your willing and ability to learn is also just as truthful. This shows what you can accomplish.
These truths will help you to connect the dots between different jobs by describing the transferable skills in your possession. Now you won’t be asked about Windows 2525, you will be asked why, with your background in security, you want to be an educator. You can talk about any of the following, relatable skills; observation, record keeping, problem solving, communication. These are used by people in education, as well as security, every day. By having an understanding of your skills, you can build a bridge between what you’ve done and what you want to do.
“It is what it is. Deal with it and move on.”
Just as there are successes in our career path, there were also potholes or places where one took their eyes off the road. The unexpected occurred, and there was a penalty to be paid for the occurrence. Surefire ways to not work in your favor is to blame others, avoid the issue, and tell half-truths. These types of answers go straight to one’s credibility and do not help.
When dealing with job termination, periods of long unemployment, or a release from the service of the state (jail), tell the truth. Put what happened in context, take responsibility for your part, stress the lessons learned, and talk about the fact that this was an isolated incident which has not been repeated. Will everyone listen and give you a chance?
You want the truth?
That answer is no. But at the very least, they will respect you for your personal honesty and integrity. Admitting one’s mistakes and learning from them (the important piece that you must make sure to mention) shows personal growth, determination to overcome obstacles, and focus. It gives you a position of strength to show what you learned. And how you are a different person because of what you have gone through.
“Look with eyes that see.”
This is a classic “Bob-ism” about the power of observation. Too often, people run through their day, being busy, but in reality, unproductive. We run to the store, run to get the kids, all the time, running right past opportunities. The focus is on the end result, not on seeing the clues which will enable us to seize the moment of opportunity when it arrives. For example, you are a cashier, you’re good at it, but bagging merchandise isn’t what you want to do for the rest of your life. But since you “see” yourself as a cashier, you only apply for cashier jobs.
When you look with eyes that see, the realization of what cashiering is, becomes apparent. It is an accuracy and understanding of working with numbers. Now, by “seeing” this, it shows other possible career paths, such as in Accounting and Finance (Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, Budgets, and Bookkeeping) or working in a Bank. The skill is being accurate, comfortable with numbers, and the ability to understand what the numbers mean.
Stop looking at things in only one light. To have a career in healthcare, you need a degree as a Doctor or Nurse, right? Or do you need a certificate for working as a therapist, Home Health Aide, CAN, or PCT? Is this true?
NO.
Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Long and Short term care facilities, medical centers need people in maintenance, security, public relations, operations, human resources, accounting, food service, and customer service to mention a few. Looking with eyes that “see” gives you the power and ability to delve into alternatives, using your skills in new arenas of employment, for a future so bright, you gotta wear shades.
As we see, Bob has a unique way to get his point across. The key to his messages, is to recognize opportunities for growth and in interpreting and presenting information that has value.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Don’t Play By The Rules If You Want Results
Everyday, millions of people follow the job search rules. They send a standard cover letter, which doesn’t say much and send a generic resume to an unknown entity in the Human Resources Department via the internet. And then, they play the waiting game, because almost every ad asks that you do not call. A few of the places that you applied to have an automated response, as generic in nature as the cover letter and resume you sent. It thanks you for your interest and sets a time frame that they “may contact you” if you have “the proper qualifications.” Most employers, however, do not even have the courtesy to say “don’t call us, we’ll call you.” And you wait, and apply for other opportunities, and the “game” continues.
But most successful people are risk takers. They look for new ways, innovative ways, to do what others do better. They look at opportunities in a different light. There are ways to stand out, that many job seekers overlook because they are too busy playing by the rules of Human Resources, who are, by virtue of their position are rule makers, not risk takers.
Here are calculated risks that today’s job seekers can take, which can lead to unexpected, positive results:
Risk #1: Send a letter to the President, not to Human Resources, via snail mail. See, when a letter goes by the internet to Human Resources, there are programs which search for key words. If you do not match the key words, your resume is placed into the “no” pile. You want your letter read. You want your resume read. So why send it in with the rest of the herd, looking for the same opportunity as you? Send a letter of introduction to the President of the company you’re applying to.
This is not your typical, understated cover letter. The letter you send describes your qualities and skills. Now, you ask, will the President read the information you sent to him. Probably not as carefully as you’d like, but he WILL take action. He will put a note on it (with a sticky note saying handle it and get back to me) and get it into the Head of HR’s hand. Now, I ask you, if your boss, walked up to you, and gave you something to do, outside of the normal scope of your job, what would you do?
Remember, this guarantees you nothing, except that your documents will be read carefully, not glanced over. And if your communication skills are sharp, this should lead to an interview. The rest is up to you.
Risk #2: Research. Research the company to make sure you’re sending the letter to the right person. Use the internet to study the company web site, call the Chamber of Commerce, talk to someone at the Better Business Bureau, and learn about the company from the competition. The more you learn, the more you can personalize the information you send. It will help your information stand out, because it will be different from everyone else’s, in a way a businessman can appreciate.
You also want to research the position that is available. Make sure you use the key works that the ad used. And use the job description as a jumping off point. The company is seeking certain skills; to insure your candidacy, make sure you tell them you have those skills, and give specific, concrete examples.
It is your job, not theirs, to sell your skills and abilities. It is your job to communicate how you can make a difference, how your background and skills stand out. By doing this, you will already be focusing on the interview. They will ask you about your background and skills. You have accurately covered that in your letter of introduction; repeat it back to them, with confidence, during the interview, over and over again. This is your commercial, make sure they hear it in no uncertain terms. They want to see your drive, your determination, your ability to perform under pressure. You will have given them the answers they are looking for. Now you have to sell it.
But most successful people are risk takers. They look for new ways, innovative ways, to do what others do better. They look at opportunities in a different light. There are ways to stand out, that many job seekers overlook because they are too busy playing by the rules of Human Resources, who are, by virtue of their position are rule makers, not risk takers.
Here are calculated risks that today’s job seekers can take, which can lead to unexpected, positive results:
Risk #1: Send a letter to the President, not to Human Resources, via snail mail. See, when a letter goes by the internet to Human Resources, there are programs which search for key words. If you do not match the key words, your resume is placed into the “no” pile. You want your letter read. You want your resume read. So why send it in with the rest of the herd, looking for the same opportunity as you? Send a letter of introduction to the President of the company you’re applying to.
This is not your typical, understated cover letter. The letter you send describes your qualities and skills. Now, you ask, will the President read the information you sent to him. Probably not as carefully as you’d like, but he WILL take action. He will put a note on it (with a sticky note saying handle it and get back to me) and get it into the Head of HR’s hand. Now, I ask you, if your boss, walked up to you, and gave you something to do, outside of the normal scope of your job, what would you do?
Remember, this guarantees you nothing, except that your documents will be read carefully, not glanced over. And if your communication skills are sharp, this should lead to an interview. The rest is up to you.
Risk #2: Research. Research the company to make sure you’re sending the letter to the right person. Use the internet to study the company web site, call the Chamber of Commerce, talk to someone at the Better Business Bureau, and learn about the company from the competition. The more you learn, the more you can personalize the information you send. It will help your information stand out, because it will be different from everyone else’s, in a way a businessman can appreciate.
You also want to research the position that is available. Make sure you use the key works that the ad used. And use the job description as a jumping off point. The company is seeking certain skills; to insure your candidacy, make sure you tell them you have those skills, and give specific, concrete examples.
It is your job, not theirs, to sell your skills and abilities. It is your job to communicate how you can make a difference, how your background and skills stand out. By doing this, you will already be focusing on the interview. They will ask you about your background and skills. You have accurately covered that in your letter of introduction; repeat it back to them, with confidence, during the interview, over and over again. This is your commercial, make sure they hear it in no uncertain terms. They want to see your drive, your determination, your ability to perform under pressure. You will have given them the answers they are looking for. Now you have to sell it.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Who Do You Know: Reasons Why Your Network Is Important
“Is there anybody out there?” – “The Wall”, Pink Floyd
When we’re looking for the right career opportunity, we think of ourselves as alone. As if no one has ever had to do this before. Some of us see the path to success glimmering in the sunshine, while others are searching for the bread crumb trail that was left behind to follow.
This is the time to call your network. Have a [purpose in mind when contacting people. This is not the time to throw a pity party, to whine, complain, and moan; but to help you get back on the road toward a new, exciting opportunity for your future by finding out what’s out there.
DO YOU KNOW ANYBODY HIRING:
Reach out and touch someone, anyone you know. Your friends, family, former co-workers, classmates, your kid’s friends parents, their teachers, people who work in the store you shop at are the start of your list of contacts. The easiest way to get your foot in the door of a company is by someone opening the door for you. This is what a person in your network can do for you and why it is so important to stay in contact with people.
Remember one reason why you’re doing this. You don’t know who these people know, who they talk to on a regular basis. And while the company they work for might not be hiring at the present time, someone they know may know someone who knows a company that is hiring.
People like to help others. But they don’t know if you need any help unless you ask for it. So make up a list of your contacts, go over it twice. Now, go make those calls.
ENCOURAGEMENT, DIRECTION, SOMEONE TO BOUNCE IDEAS OFF OF:
Who do you know who can become a mentor? Somebody you respect, who has handled adversity and has not only grown but thrived as a result. Who do you know that owns their own business? Here is a problem solver who can recognize an opportunity and create a way to profit from it?
When they asked Aristotle Onassis, who was the richest man in the world at the time, what would he do if he lost everything, he had a great answer. He said he would take any job he could to survive, save his money, buy a suit, and take the richest man in town out lunch. His reason was that the “crumbs from a rich man’s table is worth more than a banquet with a beggar.”
Find someone who you trust, who believes in your talents and abilities. They can provide focus and help you plan the next step. They can help you rehearse your answers to the interview questions. It’s your journey, but everybody needs someone to lean on for guidance and strength. Who is yours?
Find someone who you trust, who believes in your talents and abilities. They can provide focus and help you plan the next step. They can help you rehearse your answers to the interview questions. It’s your journey, but everybody needs someone to lean on for guidance and strength. Who is yours?
PUTTING IN A GOOD WORD:
Once you know the career path that you want to go down, the next step is to come up with references that can help you. The best references are people in the industry that you want to be a part of, in positions of authority. They can speak about your intangible qualities, the skills you possess, and the type of person that you are. Former supervisors are an excellent reference since can give a first hand account of you as an employee and the quality of your work. Co-workers can talk of your team spirit and your problem solving andor training abilities. There are many other people you can put down as references like your teachers, friends, and even your pastor.
When creating a reference list, the following information is imperative:
Person’s Full Name (no cute nicknames)
Job Title
Name of Company they work for
Address (either one, home of office)
City, state zip (that matches the above address)
Phone Number
E-mail address (if they have one)
Here are a few additional notes to help make your references meaningful. Ask them first. These are some of the first people you contacted when you started looking for work. This lets them you know that you value what they say and their opinion county. Make sure that the contact information is accurate and that they are employed. You are known by the people who you know, so an employed reference will reflect better for you. Give your references a copy of your resume so they have an idea of what skills you want them to talk about. If you want them to talk about why you’re perfect for the job, make sure the message stays consistent.
Is there anybody out there? Yes, if you know who to ask and what they can do to help. So you have no reason not to make a list, pick up the phone, and invite someone to lunch to talk. See where the trail leads.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Dressing For The Successful Interview
“Cause every girl’s crazy for a sharp dressed man”, ZZ Top
Getting dressed is one of those simple things Mom taught us growing up: make sure your socks match, that your underwear is clean, that your pants fit AROUND your waist – not below it, and wear a jacket or you’ll catch cold. Right, that’s our basic fashion lesson, the rest comes down to choice. So how do you choose to be thought of: serious about finding the right career or is what you wear say “I don’t care.”
Appropriate dress is showing respect for the opportunity that you want to undertake. Have you ever sat there and saw that the interviewer was dressed professionally compared to what you had on? And remember how that uncomfortable feeling made us lose focus. Here are a few tips and tricks to feel comfortable. One last note, when dressing for an interview, remember to dress for the job you aspire to. While the following are general rules, always consider the industry that you’re trying to get into. You can choose styles that have more flash in an industry that looks for flash, but most businesses prefer the standard, conservative approach to fashion.
FOR MEN & WOMEN: There are a few dress rules that do apply equally to men and women. The increasing popularity of tattooing or Body Art, presents one such topic. A general rule, keep them covered, especially if you have them in strategically suggestive areas. That means keep your shirt buttoned, roll your sleeves down, and no peeking out of the midsection. Socks or nylons should cover any on the ankle, calf area. An interview is not the time or place for a discussion of the newly popular art of body decorations. And piercing just creep people out. Not pierced ears, as long as it’s a reasonable amount, like 2, but multiples, eyebrows, lips, tongue; it’s cool for you and your friends, but in an office, it does not play well.
Hair should always be neat. But if you go in for the wilder colors, or the Mohawk, or any other “unique” look, the statement you’re making is that you’re different and won’t change to fit in.
Fragrances are also becoming problematic. If the interviewer can smell you coming down the hallway, if their eyes start to water while in the room with you, these are sure signs that you have on too much. You are better off not wearing any than planning an assault on the interviewer’s sense of smell.
And last but not least, jewelry. We’re not out to fling the bling, so no more than 3 bracelets, two or three rings is fine, and earrings should be on the small side. And watch out for the hoop sized earrings, the big gaudy chains, and the grill works. Appropriate for hangin’, not for an interview.
WOMEN: Let’s start from the bottom up. A simple pair of dark shoes, not sandals or clogs, heel not too high, will be fine. You can wear either a pair of slacks or a skirt. This is an interview, not a night out at the club so; the skirt should be at least finger tip length.
A blouse not cut too low or revealing with a scarf or nice looking necklace, dress it up a bit more with a sweater or jacket to round out the ensemble. Make-up is used to enhance, not as camouflage in the corporate battlefield, or to use another old saying “less is more”.
This is not a night out clubbin’ with your friends; you are a serious professional with skills and talents that the interview will showcase. Make sure you dress the part.
MEN: This will be short and sweet. Shoes, socks, and pants should be dark, fit well with a belt that’s for more than show. A shirt, button down the front with a collar is the bare minimum of what you should be wearing. Yes, there are exceptions, like a tie, jacket, or the standard suit if that is the style of dress. But guys, seriously, do you want the job? If so, this is the basic look, classic and standard.
Getting dressed is one of those simple things Mom taught us growing up: make sure your socks match, that your underwear is clean, that your pants fit AROUND your waist – not below it, and wear a jacket or you’ll catch cold. Right, that’s our basic fashion lesson, the rest comes down to choice. So how do you choose to be thought of: serious about finding the right career or is what you wear say “I don’t care.”
Appropriate dress is showing respect for the opportunity that you want to undertake. Have you ever sat there and saw that the interviewer was dressed professionally compared to what you had on? And remember how that uncomfortable feeling made us lose focus. Here are a few tips and tricks to feel comfortable. One last note, when dressing for an interview, remember to dress for the job you aspire to. While the following are general rules, always consider the industry that you’re trying to get into. You can choose styles that have more flash in an industry that looks for flash, but most businesses prefer the standard, conservative approach to fashion.
FOR MEN & WOMEN: There are a few dress rules that do apply equally to men and women. The increasing popularity of tattooing or Body Art, presents one such topic. A general rule, keep them covered, especially if you have them in strategically suggestive areas. That means keep your shirt buttoned, roll your sleeves down, and no peeking out of the midsection. Socks or nylons should cover any on the ankle, calf area. An interview is not the time or place for a discussion of the newly popular art of body decorations. And piercing just creep people out. Not pierced ears, as long as it’s a reasonable amount, like 2, but multiples, eyebrows, lips, tongue; it’s cool for you and your friends, but in an office, it does not play well.
Hair should always be neat. But if you go in for the wilder colors, or the Mohawk, or any other “unique” look, the statement you’re making is that you’re different and won’t change to fit in.
Fragrances are also becoming problematic. If the interviewer can smell you coming down the hallway, if their eyes start to water while in the room with you, these are sure signs that you have on too much. You are better off not wearing any than planning an assault on the interviewer’s sense of smell.
And last but not least, jewelry. We’re not out to fling the bling, so no more than 3 bracelets, two or three rings is fine, and earrings should be on the small side. And watch out for the hoop sized earrings, the big gaudy chains, and the grill works. Appropriate for hangin’, not for an interview.
WOMEN: Let’s start from the bottom up. A simple pair of dark shoes, not sandals or clogs, heel not too high, will be fine. You can wear either a pair of slacks or a skirt. This is an interview, not a night out at the club so; the skirt should be at least finger tip length.
A blouse not cut too low or revealing with a scarf or nice looking necklace, dress it up a bit more with a sweater or jacket to round out the ensemble. Make-up is used to enhance, not as camouflage in the corporate battlefield, or to use another old saying “less is more”.
This is not a night out clubbin’ with your friends; you are a serious professional with skills and talents that the interview will showcase. Make sure you dress the part.
MEN: This will be short and sweet. Shoes, socks, and pants should be dark, fit well with a belt that’s for more than show. A shirt, button down the front with a collar is the bare minimum of what you should be wearing. Yes, there are exceptions, like a tie, jacket, or the standard suit if that is the style of dress. But guys, seriously, do you want the job? If so, this is the basic look, classic and standard.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
It's The Little Things That Count
Remember the expression “a stitch in time saves nine.” Tailors and seamstresses lived by that. What stitches they used, the type of thread, and the placement, made a garment that was strong and durable. Or one that had the buttons falling off. Or had loose threads that when pulled would cause a hemline to drop or a sleeve to fall off. It’s the details, the attention paid to the little things, that’s often the difference between success or failure of a project. Here are a few of the pitfalls to avoid in the workplace.
Being Tardy:
We hate it when we’re told the delivery will arrive at 10am and they don’t arrive till 3:30pm. We feel like we’re being taken advantage of, that our time isn’t important. We feel that the phrase “Customer Service” is just hollow words to placate us. And if we’re waiting for someone to pick us up at 3 and they don’t arrive till 4, we consider them unreliable. Since this is the way we feel about others when they are not on time, what do people say and feel about you and your time management. Unreliable, irresponsible, can’t follow a schedule, questionable comprehension, doesn’t care; these are a few of the thoughts about you. Show up early, about 15 minutes, for all of your appointments. This way, you won’t feel rushed and will have time to gather your thoughts. At work, this will give you an opportunity to prepare for your day, talk to your co-workers and get ready. Punctuality and time management will prove you are responsible, that you can finish tasks on time. It shows that you can accept challenges and that you can get things done the right way.
Spelling and Grammar Mistakes:
We are a nation of bad spellers. Sometimes in a rush to get an idea down on paper or a document out, we make typographical errors. While these aren’t fatal career mistakes, they do show someone who is careless and has little attention to detail. And don’t blame spell check. It is a very useful tool, but does have a few flaws. For example, if you spell a word wrong but it spells another word correctly, the mistake will not get caught. And to, two, and too will cause problems. Also, proper names, slang, and acronyms will come up as mistakes. If you’re unsure of how to spell a word, nothing can take the place of a good dictionary and thesaurus. Another way to avoid these problems from plaguing you is to have someone else proofread your work. Read your work out loud, to check the pace and flow of ideas. And use words you’re comfortable with.
The Name Game:
People are VERY particular about their name and job title. Calling someone by the wrong name, Bob instead of Bill, or Dave instead of David, says that you do not respect the individual. And mispronouncing the name shows that you do not pay attention. Next, getting their job title wrong, oh boy does that open up a can of worms. People have worked hard to earn their title, for in some cases, their identity is based upon it. Always make sure you get the name and title right. This is a major faux pas that can cause us to miss a great opportunity.
Not Answering The Question Asked:
Remember playing in the house on a rainy day and accidentally breaking a lamp, vase, or knickknack that has been around forever. First there was that moment of panic then comes the negotiations and agreeing on a cover story. Then, Mom comes over and asks, “What happened?” And right away, we answer, “I didn’t do it”, in a way that suggests that we did it. We just dug ourselves a hole that we could not get out of and before long; we’ve confessed to everything that we did. Later, while we’re sitting in our room, without TV or music (for these were the days before video games), we try to figure out what happened. It’s the same way in the workplace. We don’t answer the question that’s being asked. We answer according to the circumstances and tone of the questioner. And most times, we try to shift the blame and focus off of ourselves. But just like with Mom, the truth comes out, we’re in a time out and the consequences have to be dealt with. Always avoid the “it’s not my fault” reply. Do not blame others. Stand up, take responsibility, fix the problem, learn from the mistake, and do not repeat it. This approach will garner more respect, positive recognition, and will strengthen your reputation. Always stick to the truth. But remember, there are reasons why things happen. Tell the truth that answers the question without confessing your role. And if you say, “I’ll learn from this and it won’t happen again”, mean it!
Being Tardy:
We hate it when we’re told the delivery will arrive at 10am and they don’t arrive till 3:30pm. We feel like we’re being taken advantage of, that our time isn’t important. We feel that the phrase “Customer Service” is just hollow words to placate us. And if we’re waiting for someone to pick us up at 3 and they don’t arrive till 4, we consider them unreliable. Since this is the way we feel about others when they are not on time, what do people say and feel about you and your time management. Unreliable, irresponsible, can’t follow a schedule, questionable comprehension, doesn’t care; these are a few of the thoughts about you. Show up early, about 15 minutes, for all of your appointments. This way, you won’t feel rushed and will have time to gather your thoughts. At work, this will give you an opportunity to prepare for your day, talk to your co-workers and get ready. Punctuality and time management will prove you are responsible, that you can finish tasks on time. It shows that you can accept challenges and that you can get things done the right way.
Spelling and Grammar Mistakes:
We are a nation of bad spellers. Sometimes in a rush to get an idea down on paper or a document out, we make typographical errors. While these aren’t fatal career mistakes, they do show someone who is careless and has little attention to detail. And don’t blame spell check. It is a very useful tool, but does have a few flaws. For example, if you spell a word wrong but it spells another word correctly, the mistake will not get caught. And to, two, and too will cause problems. Also, proper names, slang, and acronyms will come up as mistakes. If you’re unsure of how to spell a word, nothing can take the place of a good dictionary and thesaurus. Another way to avoid these problems from plaguing you is to have someone else proofread your work. Read your work out loud, to check the pace and flow of ideas. And use words you’re comfortable with.
The Name Game:
People are VERY particular about their name and job title. Calling someone by the wrong name, Bob instead of Bill, or Dave instead of David, says that you do not respect the individual. And mispronouncing the name shows that you do not pay attention. Next, getting their job title wrong, oh boy does that open up a can of worms. People have worked hard to earn their title, for in some cases, their identity is based upon it. Always make sure you get the name and title right. This is a major faux pas that can cause us to miss a great opportunity.
Not Answering The Question Asked:
Remember playing in the house on a rainy day and accidentally breaking a lamp, vase, or knickknack that has been around forever. First there was that moment of panic then comes the negotiations and agreeing on a cover story. Then, Mom comes over and asks, “What happened?” And right away, we answer, “I didn’t do it”, in a way that suggests that we did it. We just dug ourselves a hole that we could not get out of and before long; we’ve confessed to everything that we did. Later, while we’re sitting in our room, without TV or music (for these were the days before video games), we try to figure out what happened. It’s the same way in the workplace. We don’t answer the question that’s being asked. We answer according to the circumstances and tone of the questioner. And most times, we try to shift the blame and focus off of ourselves. But just like with Mom, the truth comes out, we’re in a time out and the consequences have to be dealt with. Always avoid the “it’s not my fault” reply. Do not blame others. Stand up, take responsibility, fix the problem, learn from the mistake, and do not repeat it. This approach will garner more respect, positive recognition, and will strengthen your reputation. Always stick to the truth. But remember, there are reasons why things happen. Tell the truth that answers the question without confessing your role. And if you say, “I’ll learn from this and it won’t happen again”, mean it!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The Job Application: The Paper Interview
There are always obstacles on the path to a new job. Writing a cover letter that stands out is one. Next, the resume that features skills and accomplishments instead of duties and responsibilities needs to be crafted. Then comes the research part of our trip, finding those companies we want to work for, contacting our network to find out about industries and potential careers and sending our information to the right person. The waiting by the phone for the interview call is usually a fun time. But still and all, we successfully navigate these potholes and on a bright, sunny morning, we how up to meet with our perspective place of employment. We have practiced answering the interview questions we anticipate, and then WHAM, the receptionist hands us an application and tells us to fill it out completely.
Now, the real adventure begins. And career dreams and opportunities begin to fade. Here are a few helpful hints to remember before the sun does down on our dream job.
Resumes Are Different From Applications
You control the content of a resume. It’s your employment story and you can tell it anyway you want. The application is a different story, as it is asking for specific information. Here is where you write the addresses, phone numbers and supervisors of past employers. Here is where you write the duties and responsibilities of your past jobs go. Here is where you have to be accurate and honest. Since this is the information that can be verified during a background check.
Read The Questions Carefully
Are they asking for an employment history or work experience? Have you ever been convicted of a crime? Have you ever been convicted of a felony? Do you have a valid driver’s license?
There are examples of questions that cause us the most difficulty. We have an employment gap of 7 months, how does it get filled? Well, if they are asking for Work Experience, volunteering can fill the gap honestly. After all, it is work; you used your skills or developed new ones. But for Employment History, if you didn’t draw a paycheck, it doesn’t count.
If you have a criminal background, know all the charges and the disposition of each. Accused is different from arrested, which is different from convicted. And some companies will tell you not to include traffic arrests. Make sure you read the question carefully and only answer the question. You can put, “Will discuss in detail during the interview”, but make sure you know what you’re going to say. (Do not shift blame, it is what it is, take responsibility and move on.)
The Driver’s License answer is a simple one. If it is suspended or revoked, it’s not valid. Period, end of discussion. (But make sure you have a plan in place to get it back!)
Honesty Is The Best Policy
Be truthful with dates of employment, job titles, why you left your previous places pf employment, gaps, certificates held and degrees earned. Ever since 9-11, companies have gotten more and more security conscious and spend time doing background checks, including credit histories (to check up on your ideas about personal responsibility and cash handling abilities). They WILL look into your past. They will do a google search to see if anything comes up about you. They will check out your schools, asking for certified copies of certificates, transcripts, and degrees. If you received a degree from Fly By Night College, know it’s as worthless as a $3 bill.
Listing Relatives As References
It says right about the table, do not list relatives. But we do it anyway and lie about the relationship we have. We’ll use in-laws, cousins, or our sister (provided she uses her married name), because, hey, they’ll say nice things about us. And we think we’re slick; until the person conducting the reference check asks how they know up. Then the cat’s out of the bag and everything we said is open for examination. Plus, our personal integrity and/or comprehension is questioned because we did what we were told not to do.
Now, the real adventure begins. And career dreams and opportunities begin to fade. Here are a few helpful hints to remember before the sun does down on our dream job.
Resumes Are Different From Applications
You control the content of a resume. It’s your employment story and you can tell it anyway you want. The application is a different story, as it is asking for specific information. Here is where you write the addresses, phone numbers and supervisors of past employers. Here is where you write the duties and responsibilities of your past jobs go. Here is where you have to be accurate and honest. Since this is the information that can be verified during a background check.
Read The Questions Carefully
Are they asking for an employment history or work experience? Have you ever been convicted of a crime? Have you ever been convicted of a felony? Do you have a valid driver’s license?
There are examples of questions that cause us the most difficulty. We have an employment gap of 7 months, how does it get filled? Well, if they are asking for Work Experience, volunteering can fill the gap honestly. After all, it is work; you used your skills or developed new ones. But for Employment History, if you didn’t draw a paycheck, it doesn’t count.
If you have a criminal background, know all the charges and the disposition of each. Accused is different from arrested, which is different from convicted. And some companies will tell you not to include traffic arrests. Make sure you read the question carefully and only answer the question. You can put, “Will discuss in detail during the interview”, but make sure you know what you’re going to say. (Do not shift blame, it is what it is, take responsibility and move on.)
The Driver’s License answer is a simple one. If it is suspended or revoked, it’s not valid. Period, end of discussion. (But make sure you have a plan in place to get it back!)
Honesty Is The Best Policy
Be truthful with dates of employment, job titles, why you left your previous places pf employment, gaps, certificates held and degrees earned. Ever since 9-11, companies have gotten more and more security conscious and spend time doing background checks, including credit histories (to check up on your ideas about personal responsibility and cash handling abilities). They WILL look into your past. They will do a google search to see if anything comes up about you. They will check out your schools, asking for certified copies of certificates, transcripts, and degrees. If you received a degree from Fly By Night College, know it’s as worthless as a $3 bill.
Listing Relatives As References
It says right about the table, do not list relatives. But we do it anyway and lie about the relationship we have. We’ll use in-laws, cousins, or our sister (provided she uses her married name), because, hey, they’ll say nice things about us. And we think we’re slick; until the person conducting the reference check asks how they know up. Then the cat’s out of the bag and everything we said is open for examination. Plus, our personal integrity and/or comprehension is questioned because we did what we were told not to do.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Successfully Working A Career Fair
Personal contact, the face to face meeting, is the best way to introduce yourself to a perspective employer. Even though there are more ways than ever to get your marketing message out, career fairs let employers see the look in your eye and the confidence in your tone. This piece of the puzzle can become your interview if you’re ready, willing and able to take on the challenges.
Career Fairs work for you when you know how to work them. It is a place where you can use your communication skills to stand out. And all those “toys” on the table, pick them up on your way out! Remember, you are there to market yourself, interviews happen on the spot, be ready for anything.
Career Fairs work for you when you know how to work them. It is a place where you can use your communication skills to stand out. And all those “toys” on the table, pick them up on your way out! Remember, you are there to market yourself, interviews happen on the spot, be ready for anything.
Here are a few hints, tips and tricks to make this career fair work for you:
> Relax; you’re going to do great today!
> Relax; you’re going to do great today!
> Look over the list of who’s going to be there and pick out your top 10! Do some research about the companies who’ll be there. If you know about any new products or services that the company is providing, it will help you stand out. Better to talk to the ones you’re really interested in after you work out the nervousness by practicing with a few companies that are not high on your list.
> Before you go in, make sure that you have plenty of copies of your resume and a pad and pen to take notes. Be prepared to write down who you spoke to and what you talked about, make sure you get their business card to get the correct spelling of their name, title, and company. When you write your follow-up letter, it will help them remember you.
> Be ready for those pesky interview questions. You know they’re coming, so practice your answers.
> Dress for success. When you look good, you feel good and that confidence will show! You want to look like a professional.
> Once you’re inside:
* Take and read any material on the table before you talk to someone. This will give you time to do additional research and to help you get any last minute hints.
* Listen to the conversation to the person in front of you. You’ll hear the same questions and it will give you time to make your answers better.
* Shake hands and talk to the person
* Ask for an application if one is not offered.
* Ask the right questions. Prepare your top 5 and be sure to practice them. Try to ask a question like “what made you choose to work for this company and why do you stay?” This type of question will tell you about the corporate culture and future opportunities.
*Make sure you get the business cards of the people you talk to.
* Take and read any material on the table before you talk to someone. This will give you time to do additional research and to help you get any last minute hints.
* Listen to the conversation to the person in front of you. You’ll hear the same questions and it will give you time to make your answers better.
* Shake hands and talk to the person
* Ask for an application if one is not offered.
* Ask the right questions. Prepare your top 5 and be sure to practice them. Try to ask a question like “what made you choose to work for this company and why do you stay?” This type of question will tell you about the corporate culture and future opportunities.
*Make sure you get the business cards of the people you talk to.
> Do what the others won’t. Send a follow up letter and a copy of your resume by the Friday after the fair, so it arrives first thing Monday morning. They saw over 100 people. Do something positively professional to stand out and get your resume read.
> Be prepared to follow-up with a call on the Wednesday after the fair.
To get the job you want, you have to be consistent and persistent!
To get the job you want, you have to be consistent and persistent!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
EFFECTIVELY USING WEB FOR YOUR CAREER MARKETING
“Everybody Gone Surfin', Surfin’ USA…” The Beach Boys
Over the years the internet has changed the way business does business. More and more, companies have increased their web presence and, in doing so, cut back on personnel and in personal contact. At job fairs, the phrase “you need to go on-line and fill out an application” or “e-mail your resume” is heard over and over again. Go to Target or K-Mart to fill out an application, and you are directed to a machine. But what business has failed to realize is there are many people out there who are reluctant to use this tool, the main reasons being the how’s (as in how do I use this) and why’s (if I’m looking for a job dealing with people, why do I have to deal with a machine). Let’s look at a few ways to improve and to use this tool effectively.
Professional E-Mail
Time and time again, candidates hurt their chances in this new era of impersonal contact by using an inappropriate e-mail address. Now, “onehotbiscuit@hotmail.com” might be true, but, if you really sit there and think about it, would you hire you if that was the e-mail you saw? What kind of professional image does that display? What about a person’s judgment?
This is how companies that are interested in you will get their first impression. Is it a favorable one? With the plethora of free e-mail services out there, you can have one for family and friends and one for business. Just make sure that whichever one you choose for business will let you get your name and if you have to use numbers, don’t use your birthday, anniversary, year graduated, or phone number (cause when you change phones, sometimes there is a porting fee to keep your number, the number should make sense, like an area or zip code). Don’t us this e-mail for personal matters and it should not become inundated with spam. If it does, you know that company does not respect you as a client and you should feel free to use another company.
Getting To Know You
There are terrific ways to find out how your vast array of skills can play in today’s workforce. But sometimes, finding out what those skills are can be a challenge in and of itself. Taking a free career assessment is an effective and efficient way to find out what you like to do and in what fields you can look for the right opportunity. One very good site to try is projectcareer.com. The questions are focused and the results are very through. It will break down your best results; discuss the industry, list sample job titles, interesting facts, and employment outlook. The report is comprehensive and even provides links for further career information. Or you could go to a search engine and take one or two. This way you can compare the results and see which one fits you best.
Not All Job Sites Are Created Equal
So now it’s the time to post your resume. You go to Monster.com and CareerBuilder.com and follow the directions. And then you wait. And wait. And wait. They are the best ones for me, right? The biggest is always the best, right? Maybe. But what if you’re looking for something different, like working on a cruise ship or a government job? Or what about working for a non-profit, where all your different skills could come into play, instead on a few specific ones. You could have a background in the military, where are opportunities listed for you?
Research pays off big time in this endeavor, as you can go to any search engine and look for specific job sites for your career goals. To help you along the path, here is a list of 12 worthwhile sites that you can try:
> http://www.idealist.org/ (non-profit careers)
Over the years the internet has changed the way business does business. More and more, companies have increased their web presence and, in doing so, cut back on personnel and in personal contact. At job fairs, the phrase “you need to go on-line and fill out an application” or “e-mail your resume” is heard over and over again. Go to Target or K-Mart to fill out an application, and you are directed to a machine. But what business has failed to realize is there are many people out there who are reluctant to use this tool, the main reasons being the how’s (as in how do I use this) and why’s (if I’m looking for a job dealing with people, why do I have to deal with a machine). Let’s look at a few ways to improve and to use this tool effectively.
Professional E-Mail
Time and time again, candidates hurt their chances in this new era of impersonal contact by using an inappropriate e-mail address. Now, “onehotbiscuit@hotmail.com” might be true, but, if you really sit there and think about it, would you hire you if that was the e-mail you saw? What kind of professional image does that display? What about a person’s judgment?
This is how companies that are interested in you will get their first impression. Is it a favorable one? With the plethora of free e-mail services out there, you can have one for family and friends and one for business. Just make sure that whichever one you choose for business will let you get your name and if you have to use numbers, don’t use your birthday, anniversary, year graduated, or phone number (cause when you change phones, sometimes there is a porting fee to keep your number, the number should make sense, like an area or zip code). Don’t us this e-mail for personal matters and it should not become inundated with spam. If it does, you know that company does not respect you as a client and you should feel free to use another company.
Getting To Know You
There are terrific ways to find out how your vast array of skills can play in today’s workforce. But sometimes, finding out what those skills are can be a challenge in and of itself. Taking a free career assessment is an effective and efficient way to find out what you like to do and in what fields you can look for the right opportunity. One very good site to try is projectcareer.com. The questions are focused and the results are very through. It will break down your best results; discuss the industry, list sample job titles, interesting facts, and employment outlook. The report is comprehensive and even provides links for further career information. Or you could go to a search engine and take one or two. This way you can compare the results and see which one fits you best.
Not All Job Sites Are Created Equal
So now it’s the time to post your resume. You go to Monster.com and CareerBuilder.com and follow the directions. And then you wait. And wait. And wait. They are the best ones for me, right? The biggest is always the best, right? Maybe. But what if you’re looking for something different, like working on a cruise ship or a government job? Or what about working for a non-profit, where all your different skills could come into play, instead on a few specific ones. You could have a background in the military, where are opportunities listed for you?
Research pays off big time in this endeavor, as you can go to any search engine and look for specific job sites for your career goals. To help you along the path, here is a list of 12 worthwhile sites that you can try:
> http://www.idealist.org/ (non-profit careers)
> http://www.gettinghired.com/ (career opportunities for people with disabilities)
> http://www.ecoemploy.com/ (environmental careers)
> http://www.funjobs.com/ (just what the name implies)
> http://www.diversityinc.com/ (companies looking to hire a diversified staff)
> http://www.greentogray.com/ (military to civilian opportunities)
> http://www.helmitstohardhats.com/ (same as above)
> http://www.backstagejobs.com/ (performing arts careers)
> http://www.showbizjobs.com/ (same as above)
> http://www.dice.com/ (technology career positions)
> http://www.jobsinhealthcare.com/ (you got this, right)
> http://www.usajobs.gov/ (federal government jobs)
The point is, there are hundreds of thousands of web sites out there. The biggest isn’t always the best for your career growth and development. Try to find one that fits your career path.
Networking
Networking is a job seekers best friend. The people you know, both personally and professionally, provide valuable contacts that can help provide advice, job leads, and help alleviate the feelings of isolation that you can experience. So it’s time to find the business cards you’ve accumulated, take out the rolodex, find your phone book, and reach out. You’ll find people ready, willing and able to help, once they know you’re available.
Another way to network is to join professional associations relative to your professional goals. You can join local organizations in your community. This will get you out of the house, with a sense of purpose. And you need a way to reach out to your friends friends.
While facebook and twitter are fun, these are social sites. And the information, photos and video’s posted on these and other sites don’t exactly scream “hire me.” And as a point of fact, postings of your weekend escapades or what you did when you called out sick can ruin your professional reputation, effect your chances of promotion, and in some cases, can lead to termination as your supervisors will question your judgment. Just remember what a photo of Michael Phelps did for his marketability and reputation. If 14 gold medals and 7 world records don’t cut someone any slack, how much can you expect?
One of the best sites for business networking is http://www.linkedin.com/. Not only can you post your resume and other career accomplishments, the recommendation feature is a powerful tool. Past and present supervisors, colleagues, and peers can extol your value and virtues. True, they may not be specific to the opportunity you are targeting, but they have a genuineness, a believability about them. They are more personal, and since they are part of your network, a company doing a background search, sees the type of people you know and associate with. And like the “seven degrees of Kevin Bacon” game, you can find out who knows who, which can help get your foot in the door. It won’t get you the job, but it could get you a chance to interview, and then the rest is up to you.
A Research Tool
Since most companies have a web presence, researching the companies that you want to work for is now easy. You can find the company history, products, services, personnel, stock prices, what’s been written about them by whom, and who there competitors are. Armed with this information, you can better state your qualifications and what you bring to the table. Doing research shows more than just interest, it shows you care about making an informed decision.
Last Thoughts
The internet is a tool whose value increases when it is used effectively. Creating a presence on the web takes careful planning. And the positive results that can come of it are worth it, both personally and professionally. Information is available anytime, at your fingertips, to help you make the right choices. Make sure you choose wisely.
> http://www.ecoemploy.com/ (environmental careers)
> http://www.funjobs.com/ (just what the name implies)
> http://www.diversityinc.com/ (companies looking to hire a diversified staff)
> http://www.greentogray.com/ (military to civilian opportunities)
> http://www.helmitstohardhats.com/ (same as above)
> http://www.backstagejobs.com/ (performing arts careers)
> http://www.showbizjobs.com/ (same as above)
> http://www.dice.com/ (technology career positions)
> http://www.jobsinhealthcare.com/ (you got this, right)
> http://www.usajobs.gov/ (federal government jobs)
The point is, there are hundreds of thousands of web sites out there. The biggest isn’t always the best for your career growth and development. Try to find one that fits your career path.
Networking
Networking is a job seekers best friend. The people you know, both personally and professionally, provide valuable contacts that can help provide advice, job leads, and help alleviate the feelings of isolation that you can experience. So it’s time to find the business cards you’ve accumulated, take out the rolodex, find your phone book, and reach out. You’ll find people ready, willing and able to help, once they know you’re available.
Another way to network is to join professional associations relative to your professional goals. You can join local organizations in your community. This will get you out of the house, with a sense of purpose. And you need a way to reach out to your friends friends.
While facebook and twitter are fun, these are social sites. And the information, photos and video’s posted on these and other sites don’t exactly scream “hire me.” And as a point of fact, postings of your weekend escapades or what you did when you called out sick can ruin your professional reputation, effect your chances of promotion, and in some cases, can lead to termination as your supervisors will question your judgment. Just remember what a photo of Michael Phelps did for his marketability and reputation. If 14 gold medals and 7 world records don’t cut someone any slack, how much can you expect?
One of the best sites for business networking is http://www.linkedin.com/. Not only can you post your resume and other career accomplishments, the recommendation feature is a powerful tool. Past and present supervisors, colleagues, and peers can extol your value and virtues. True, they may not be specific to the opportunity you are targeting, but they have a genuineness, a believability about them. They are more personal, and since they are part of your network, a company doing a background search, sees the type of people you know and associate with. And like the “seven degrees of Kevin Bacon” game, you can find out who knows who, which can help get your foot in the door. It won’t get you the job, but it could get you a chance to interview, and then the rest is up to you.
A Research Tool
Since most companies have a web presence, researching the companies that you want to work for is now easy. You can find the company history, products, services, personnel, stock prices, what’s been written about them by whom, and who there competitors are. Armed with this information, you can better state your qualifications and what you bring to the table. Doing research shows more than just interest, it shows you care about making an informed decision.
Last Thoughts
The internet is a tool whose value increases when it is used effectively. Creating a presence on the web takes careful planning. And the positive results that can come of it are worth it, both personally and professionally. Information is available anytime, at your fingertips, to help you make the right choices. Make sure you choose wisely.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Working For The People
Are you looking for a job that has meaning? Do you want to make a contribution? Do you love your country? If the answer is yes to these questions, it is time to look for work at the nations’ number one employer and leading non-profit, the Federal Government of the United States.
The government payroll consists of over 1.8 million employees, who work in almost every conceivable career field, in a wide variety of occupations, from Accounting to Zoology, and opportunities abound. (For example, the US Census will be looking for people, for long term, temporary employment, to make sure that all the people are counted.) Most are steady jobs, with excellent benefits, including health insurance, child care and a pension after 25 years. The salaries are based upon the “General Schedule” pay scale, ranging from $20,000 up to $55,000. There are exceptions based upon location and if the position is one that is hard to fill.
When beginning to look for government employment, research is a key piece of the puzzle. There are a variety of ways to locate the information you need such as; finding the current available positions (www.USAJobs.gov, www.federalgovernmentjobs.us, www.federaljobs.net, are a few of the web resources available, the Federal Job Digest, or call 1-478-757-3000 to find available openings by phone), carefully reviewing what skills the position requires, and the proper way to apply. Plus, there are opportunities available in New Jersey State government (www.nj.gov) or Ocean County (http://www.ocean.nj.us.employeeservicesmainpage.aspx/). The government wants the information it wants in a certain way. So, if you want your application to get into the right hands, pay attention to the details. Some of the web sites listed earlier have a resume builder to help you give the government the data they are looking for, the way they want to see it.
Since a resume is necessary for applying for any opportunity, tailor it with additional information, like country of citizenship, Veteran’s preference, and specific job details including hours worked weekly, salary, and the names, full addresses, and phone numbers of employers and supervisors. The government will check this information, so be as honest and especially accurate as possible. Remember, the key to being called for an interview, is to include the specific information requested in the job vacancy announcement.
“A government of the people, by the people” only works for the people, when the people get involved. You can make a difference; you can effect change, in a positive way, by working for the government to fulfill its mission of service.
The government payroll consists of over 1.8 million employees, who work in almost every conceivable career field, in a wide variety of occupations, from Accounting to Zoology, and opportunities abound. (For example, the US Census will be looking for people, for long term, temporary employment, to make sure that all the people are counted.) Most are steady jobs, with excellent benefits, including health insurance, child care and a pension after 25 years. The salaries are based upon the “General Schedule” pay scale, ranging from $20,000 up to $55,000. There are exceptions based upon location and if the position is one that is hard to fill.
When beginning to look for government employment, research is a key piece of the puzzle. There are a variety of ways to locate the information you need such as; finding the current available positions (www.USAJobs.gov, www.federalgovernmentjobs.us, www.federaljobs.net, are a few of the web resources available, the Federal Job Digest, or call 1-478-757-3000 to find available openings by phone), carefully reviewing what skills the position requires, and the proper way to apply. Plus, there are opportunities available in New Jersey State government (www.nj.gov) or Ocean County (http://www.ocean.nj.us.employeeservicesmainpage.aspx/). The government wants the information it wants in a certain way. So, if you want your application to get into the right hands, pay attention to the details. Some of the web sites listed earlier have a resume builder to help you give the government the data they are looking for, the way they want to see it.
Since a resume is necessary for applying for any opportunity, tailor it with additional information, like country of citizenship, Veteran’s preference, and specific job details including hours worked weekly, salary, and the names, full addresses, and phone numbers of employers and supervisors. The government will check this information, so be as honest and especially accurate as possible. Remember, the key to being called for an interview, is to include the specific information requested in the job vacancy announcement.
“A government of the people, by the people” only works for the people, when the people get involved. You can make a difference; you can effect change, in a positive way, by working for the government to fulfill its mission of service.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
A Lesson In Time
Time is the great equalizer. There are only 24 hours in a day and no one can buy more time, it can only be spent. Some want to control time, but no matter how much you might beg or plead, it is the same for everyone, rich or poor, as I said the great equalizer.
Time is also a resource that can be managed and maximized. Here are a few suggestions on how to make the most of the time we have available and to utilize it efficiently and effectively.
Finish One Thing First:
Even though multitasking is the latest buzz, when juggling tasks, sometimes we forget about keeping our eyes on all the balls in the air. And when they do fall, the time spent doing damage control wasn’t worth the trade. Juggle what you can, but always remember to finish what needs to be finished first. By doing so, you will find a little oasis of sanity and calm, and are better able to move on to the next task.
Flexibility:
Being organized and completing tasks actually helps you to be flexible. As you have more flexibility in your schedule, you find that you have more opportunities to do what has to be done. And this flexibility lets you build beneficial work relationships since you can now talk to and help your co-workers. Once they see that you are willing to be a part of a team, it’s easier to ask for and get assistance when we need it.
Get Organized:
Busy people write things down. It gives them a map to follow, a direction in which to go. This is a HUGE timesaver since it helps you to work smarter, not harder, under pressure. Write stuff down where it’s supposed to be written. All those sticky notes with names and numbers should go into your phone book. Date and time notes should be written in your calendar. Deal with each piece of paper once; read it, then file it, pass it on or can it. This way your focus is on results, not being busy looking for stuff.
Daily Goals:
Spend a few minutes before leaving for the day writing out the next day’s to do list so you can hit the ground running. This will help you to look at the time available and how best to plan your day. It’s easier to get things done, when you know what you have to do. You’ll remember to carry out the important tasks first and to not major on the minor. Gather the information\materials you need for the project before you start. This will help your production and stay focused on what you’re doing.
Take Time For Time:
The one advantage that smokers in an office have is that they have to get away from their desk to enjoy a cigarette. This gives them the opportunity to relax and develop an idea. It’s an opportunity to talk to others and brainstorm. Now if you don’t smoke, walk outside & get a breath of fresh air. Let nature help recharge your battery. Also, if a colleague walks up to talk while you’re working on a deadline, schedule a time to talk to them later on in the day. By getting away from your desk, the surge of ideas increases as the blood flows.
Do Things Right The First Time:
Carpenters have a standard rule, measure twice, cut once. The idea is to double check what you’re doing before executing. This will cut down on costly mistakes and make you more productive in the long run. Nothing wastes more time than having to do a job over and over again. Look for ways to cut out repetitive tasks. Learn from your mistakes. By doing things right the first time, you’ll have more time.
The bottom line is this, have a plan in place to help you manage time. This will enable you to be productive instead of looking busy.
Time is also a resource that can be managed and maximized. Here are a few suggestions on how to make the most of the time we have available and to utilize it efficiently and effectively.
Finish One Thing First:
Even though multitasking is the latest buzz, when juggling tasks, sometimes we forget about keeping our eyes on all the balls in the air. And when they do fall, the time spent doing damage control wasn’t worth the trade. Juggle what you can, but always remember to finish what needs to be finished first. By doing so, you will find a little oasis of sanity and calm, and are better able to move on to the next task.
Flexibility:
Being organized and completing tasks actually helps you to be flexible. As you have more flexibility in your schedule, you find that you have more opportunities to do what has to be done. And this flexibility lets you build beneficial work relationships since you can now talk to and help your co-workers. Once they see that you are willing to be a part of a team, it’s easier to ask for and get assistance when we need it.
Get Organized:
Busy people write things down. It gives them a map to follow, a direction in which to go. This is a HUGE timesaver since it helps you to work smarter, not harder, under pressure. Write stuff down where it’s supposed to be written. All those sticky notes with names and numbers should go into your phone book. Date and time notes should be written in your calendar. Deal with each piece of paper once; read it, then file it, pass it on or can it. This way your focus is on results, not being busy looking for stuff.
Daily Goals:
Spend a few minutes before leaving for the day writing out the next day’s to do list so you can hit the ground running. This will help you to look at the time available and how best to plan your day. It’s easier to get things done, when you know what you have to do. You’ll remember to carry out the important tasks first and to not major on the minor. Gather the information\materials you need for the project before you start. This will help your production and stay focused on what you’re doing.
Take Time For Time:
The one advantage that smokers in an office have is that they have to get away from their desk to enjoy a cigarette. This gives them the opportunity to relax and develop an idea. It’s an opportunity to talk to others and brainstorm. Now if you don’t smoke, walk outside & get a breath of fresh air. Let nature help recharge your battery. Also, if a colleague walks up to talk while you’re working on a deadline, schedule a time to talk to them later on in the day. By getting away from your desk, the surge of ideas increases as the blood flows.
Do Things Right The First Time:
Carpenters have a standard rule, measure twice, cut once. The idea is to double check what you’re doing before executing. This will cut down on costly mistakes and make you more productive in the long run. Nothing wastes more time than having to do a job over and over again. Look for ways to cut out repetitive tasks. Learn from your mistakes. By doing things right the first time, you’ll have more time.
The bottom line is this, have a plan in place to help you manage time. This will enable you to be productive instead of looking busy.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
The Value Of Volunteering
“It takes a village to raise a child”, African Proverb
It seems that every employment ad today is looking for experience in that particular line of employment. But the problem is, how do I get experience if no one will hire me after I finish a training program?
The best way to gain that career knowledge is to volunteer. This is a great way to grow and expand a network. People you meet in this way will respect what you do. They will respect your dedication, passion, and commitment to a cause. They will see you as a hard worker and a contributor.
Here are a few more values beyond a paycheck that volunteering will do for you.
Gain Knowledge and Experience
Textbooks, classrooms and the internet are great places to learn the theories, the why’s of a job. But the how’s come from actually doing. This is where theory meets reality. Here is where you can hone your skills and make a difference while learning. You will have the opportunity to see what your chosen field is like on a day in, day out basis and talk to people as they are doing what they are doing. You’ll be able to pick up the jargon (the language) of the industry so you know what people are saying. The major benefit is when you sit down to interview, by speaking “their language” correctly, you stand out.
Cover Gaps
One way to fill in a resume is with education. This is a great way to show that one has the willingness and ability to learn. But here again, learning is theory; If everything is perfect, this is what should, could, and will happen. As we know, life isn’t perfect and that’s where volunteering comes in.
Not only does it take abstract learning and make it real, it provides the opportunity for hands-on experience. It covers gaps and can be listed in chronological order in the resume under experience. Volunteering shows drive and desire to work or help benefit others. It shows hard work, it shows that you aren’t a lazy couch potato waiting for your shows to come on.
You can volunteer at your child’s school as class parent (organizing, purchasing, communication, record keeping), at a hospital (caring, concern for others), shelter, soup kitchen, library, museum, first aid squad, fire house, police station, your place of worship, the recreation department.
This shows a person who uses time wisely and it gives you the opportunity to learn the job from the inside.
Sense of Self-Worth
Sometimes when we’re unemployed (or under employed a growing phenomenon in the US), we feel like we’re a failure. Volunteering, helping others, is a great way to counteract those feelings of inadequacy. By giving back, we can share our most precious resource (Time) and gift (ourselves) with people who need.
An increased sense of self, knowledge, practical work experience, giving back to others, these are just a few benefits to sharing our time with others.
It seems that every employment ad today is looking for experience in that particular line of employment. But the problem is, how do I get experience if no one will hire me after I finish a training program?
The best way to gain that career knowledge is to volunteer. This is a great way to grow and expand a network. People you meet in this way will respect what you do. They will respect your dedication, passion, and commitment to a cause. They will see you as a hard worker and a contributor.
Here are a few more values beyond a paycheck that volunteering will do for you.
Gain Knowledge and Experience
Textbooks, classrooms and the internet are great places to learn the theories, the why’s of a job. But the how’s come from actually doing. This is where theory meets reality. Here is where you can hone your skills and make a difference while learning. You will have the opportunity to see what your chosen field is like on a day in, day out basis and talk to people as they are doing what they are doing. You’ll be able to pick up the jargon (the language) of the industry so you know what people are saying. The major benefit is when you sit down to interview, by speaking “their language” correctly, you stand out.
Cover Gaps
One way to fill in a resume is with education. This is a great way to show that one has the willingness and ability to learn. But here again, learning is theory; If everything is perfect, this is what should, could, and will happen. As we know, life isn’t perfect and that’s where volunteering comes in.
Not only does it take abstract learning and make it real, it provides the opportunity for hands-on experience. It covers gaps and can be listed in chronological order in the resume under experience. Volunteering shows drive and desire to work or help benefit others. It shows hard work, it shows that you aren’t a lazy couch potato waiting for your shows to come on.
You can volunteer at your child’s school as class parent (organizing, purchasing, communication, record keeping), at a hospital (caring, concern for others), shelter, soup kitchen, library, museum, first aid squad, fire house, police station, your place of worship, the recreation department.
This shows a person who uses time wisely and it gives you the opportunity to learn the job from the inside.
Sense of Self-Worth
Sometimes when we’re unemployed (or under employed a growing phenomenon in the US), we feel like we’re a failure. Volunteering, helping others, is a great way to counteract those feelings of inadequacy. By giving back, we can share our most precious resource (Time) and gift (ourselves) with people who need.
An increased sense of self, knowledge, practical work experience, giving back to others, these are just a few benefits to sharing our time with others.
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