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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.