The Shift In Your Marketing Message #JobSearch

The Shift In Your Marketing Message #JobSearch As a hiring manager I look for two very important things. It is your job to communicate the right message for both of these, but not necessarily at the same time. The first thing I need to know is that you are technically competent for the job. Whether you are a mechanic or a programmer or a teacher or a whatever, I need to know that you can do the job. I need to know you have a minimum breadth and depth of experience and skills. You can communicate that with stats and stories. This is done on a resume and LinkedIn Profile and anywhere else. A super powerful tool is a blog (or Medium articles, or even LinkedIn articles), or perhaps a portfolio. You use the right language (jargon) and can talk about things at a technical level. There comes a point in my evaluation of candidates (aka, job seekers) that I assume that everyone Ive whittled it down to has the right abilities to do the job. This next thing is the deal breaker. By this point Im not wondering about whether you can the job or not I have something more important to decide: will you fit into my team? Understanding that I have three or four or ten or more candidates in front of me, all of which can actually do the job I need to fill, the most important thing becomes which one will be the best hire? Which will fit into my team and culture without disrupting it (I dont want jerks, and I dont want a bull in the china closet)? Which hire will make me look good with my colleagues and bosses? Im not saying that I disregard technical abilities at this point but Im keenly sensitive to picking someone that Im going to want to be around for 8+ hours a day for the next few years. How in the world do you communicate that? Its not all about enthusiasm. And extroverts dont necessarily have the upper hand. Communicating that you will fit in well can be done through stories, of course. Share, for example, a time when you had a very challenging task or project that could have exploded/imploded and how the team pulled together (and your role in that). Show you will fit in by your choice  of language, and the way you treat people (interview at a restaurant? Be cool and kind to the servers!). Recognize that every single thing you do, that I or my team can observe, is part of the interview: how you walk in, how you treat people at the front desk, what you do in the waiting area, etc. So there you go you have two important things to communicate: one is that you can do the job, the other is that I will want you to be on my team!   Work on your communication so I can know that you are the right person to hire! The Shift In Your Marketing Message #JobSearch As a hiring manager I look for two very important things. It is your job to communicate the right message for both of these, but not necessarily at the same time. The first thing I need to know is that you are technically competent for the job. Whether you are a mechanic or a programmer or a teacher or a whatever, I need to know that you can do the job. I need to know you have a minimum breadth and depth of experience and skills. You can communicate that with stats and stories. This is done on a resume and LinkedIn Profile and anywhere else. A super powerful tool is a blog (or Medium articles, or even LinkedIn articles), or perhaps a portfolio. You use the right language (jargon) and can talk about things at a technical level. There comes a point in my evaluation of candidates (aka, job seekers) that I assume that everyone Ive whittled it down to has the right abilities to do the job. This next thing is the deal breaker. By this point Im not wondering about whether you can the job or not I have something more important to decide: will you fit into my team? Understanding that I have three or four or ten or more candidates in front of me, all of which can actually do the job I need to fill, the most important thing becomes which one will be the best hire? Which will fit into my team and culture without disrupting it (I dont want jerks, and I dont want a bull in the china closet)? Which hire will make me look good with my colleagues and bosses? Im not saying that I disregard technical abilities at this point but Im keenly sensitive to picking someone that Im going to want to be around for 8+ hours a day for the next few years. How in the world do you communicate that? Its not all about enthusiasm. And extroverts dont necessarily have the upper hand. Communicating that you will fit in well can be done through stories, of course. Share, for example, a time when you had a very challenging task or project that could have exploded/imploded and how the team pulled together (and your role in that). Show you will fit in by your choice  of language, and the way you treat people (interview at a restaurant? Be cool and kind to the servers!). Recognize that every single thing you do, that I or my team can observe, is part of the interview: how you walk in, how you treat people at the front desk, what you do in the waiting area, etc. So there you go you have two important things to communicate: one is that you can do the job, the other is that I will want you to be on my team!   Work on your communication so I can know that you are the right person to hire!

Seven Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a New Job

Seven Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a New Job Editors Note:   Today Im happy to have Terry Ford as our guest writer today. Terry Ford is a freelancer with over ten years of experience, she writes for Grammarly. Every time you begin a new job, it will take some getting used to. No one expects to show up on the first day like a pro. New work environments come with so much to learn about, from the new responsibilities, to the new coworkers, to the new systems and policies, even the new geographical location and nearby places to grab lunch. The first impressions you make are vital to your future. They will determine the character of your relationships with your coworkers and managers. You want to make friends, and you certainly don’t want your boss to second guess his hiring of you. Be careful to get off to a good start, and avoid making any of these mistakes when starting a new job. 1.   Showing Up Late This is a no-brainer. Don’t be late on your first day, or ever. You really should show up at least fifteen minutes earlier than the time you’re supposed to clock in. On your first day, a half hour early is even better. 2.   Not Following the Dress Code Be careful that you don’t over- or under-dress for your new job. Follow the dress code precisely. You don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb because of your look.   As the new guy or girl, you’ll be getting looked at and judged enough already. 3.   Not Discussing Your Expectations with Your Boss At the start of your job, if you haven’t already, you should have a conversation with your boss about expectations. You want to be clear on exactly what is expected of you. You also want to let your boss know what your expectations are, and be sure to tell him about your career goals. If your boss isn’t aware of your goals, he can’t help you reach them. 4.   Being a Know-It-All What you did at your old job doesn’t matter as much as you think it does in your new setting. Don’t act like you know everything. Don’t boast about your expertise; demonstrate your skills and knowledge over time by working hard. 5.   Gossiping Whatever you do, don’t get sucked into office gossip. You are new to the environment, so you have no place to judge anyone else or get involved with office politics. You don’t want to take sides or say anything that could alienate anyone else before you’ve gotten a chance to know them. Politely decline to engage in gossip. 6.   Not Asking Questions You are new, so don’t be afraid to ask questions, and ask as many as you need to do your job successfully. Don’t try to figure out everything on your own. People will expect you to ask questions because you’re new, so don’t worry that it will make you look bad. It could only make you look silly if you spend a half hour trying to locate a file or the cafeteria. 7.   Blowing Off Orientation If you have to attend training or orientation, make sure you pay attention and participate, no matter how silly it is. The managers at training can report to your boss if you are slacking off, or they can let him know they were impressed with your engagement What Mistakes Do You Recommend Avoiding? Have you seen some mistakes in your office that killed the job?   Share in the comments below. Crafted by the web publishing team at Grammarly grammar checker, the best online resource to validate the accuracy of your written work. image courtesy of slworking2

How will YOU be remembered (Fiery lady in the Ferragamos is already taken.) Career Coach JobJenny

How will YOU be remembered (Fiery lady in the Ferragamos is already taken.) Career Coach JobJenny I just got home from Seattle. The purpose of our quick trip was to memorialize my husband's beloved 96-year-old grandmother, Jane Newman, who passed away recently. At the service, close family members shared their fondest memories of this hell-on-wheels dynamo of a lady. And while each anecdote varied in its detail, every one shared the coolest common themes about Jane: Ferragamos - Seriously? Is there any woman on this planet that does not want to go down as the amazing lady who click-click-clicked around EVERYWHERE in fabulous designer heels, well into her 80s? No, no there is not. Independence and Adventure - While Jane was married for years, to a man I never met but am told completely adored her, she was as independent and adventurous as they come -She wascollege-educated (Purdue), a global traveler,and worked as a top sales person for Rubbermaid well into her '70s. Yes, in her Ferragamos. Of course in her Ferragamos. Cocktail Party Elegance - Down-to-earth and genuine at heart all the while, Jane made her cocktail hours near-ritual, convening regularly for drinks with family and friends. And we're not talking Bud Light on the couch in sweats. People,puh-lease. For Jane, cocktail hour meant real libations, real conversation and meticulous style. Think Mad Men. As I listened along to each story, I found myself smiling. As someone who only had a few years to get to know this fab lady, I knew she was a Force (capital F intended), but the memorial service gave everything I'd detected about Jane this grand, wonderful exclamation mark. Jane made her mark. A big one. And the world will remember and appreciate Jane Newman for her style, her zest for life and her near-astounding ability to clatter around in high-heels into the twilight of her life. I decided something right then and there. I decided that one day, I want to be memorialized Jane Newman style. I decided that I want to be remembered as a Force (capital F intended). A fiesty, fierce, full-of-life Force. And I assure you, I will make it my mission to live up to the legacy I envison. So what about you? How do you want to be remembered? What are you doing (or not doing) today to ensure that this comes to fruition? Whether you're conscious of it or not, you're a brand. YOU. Are a brand. Do absolutely everything you can to go down as aspectacular one. Godspeed, Jane Newman. We raise a collective glass and shall miss you dearly. (But WHY could we not be the same shoe size ....!?) ;) Photo by: Steph Barcenas

How to Become More Influential Around the Office - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

How to Become More Influential Around the Office - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Have you ever noticed that well-respected and influential people around the office walk an emotional and behavioral tightrope? Seemingly effortlessly, they exercise the ability to be accommodating when necessary, yet strong and assertive when it counts. Since they operate in accordance with a given situation, these individuals are more likely to obtain the status, pay, title and clients they desire. Luckily, you can learn how to operate in a similar fashion. By implementing some easy tricks and gaining a basic understanding of how people react to someone’s perceived strength and warmth, you can become just as influential. Our recruiting company will show you how. Understanding Strength and Confidence Sadly, in Corporate America, arrogance and ego will often get someone further than intelligence and capability will. All things being equal, people perceive dominant leaders to be more credible than their submissive counterparts. Often, regardless of the validity of their statements, people who project a sense of strength and confidence naturally command others’ attention in a more effective manner. Co-workers and subordinates are much more likely to show respect for and follow individuals who project a sense of self-assuredness. In some organizations, management will outright devalue opinions that are not accompanied by a tone of self-importance and superiority. Why does the nice guy or gal tend to finish last? When people perceive others to be weak, they are less concerned with their needs because they equate weakness with inefficiency. Moreover, they tend to become more readily frustrated by their actions, frequently preventing the nice guy or gal from having a voice. For this reason, bosses who are “too nice” historically fail to grab the attention of their subordinates and often feel taken advantage of. It also explains why overly accommodating employees will tend to be considered far less frequently for management and leadership roles. Simple Tricks to Make You Appear Stronger and More Assertive at Work There are several factors your co-workers use to interpret how confident you are in yourself. These include your tone of voice, the facial expressions you make, your posture, your body gestures as well as the actual words you use. Nonverbally, if you wish to appear more confident, there are a few simple tricks: 1. Correct your posture. Standing tall projects confidence and portrays a sense of power, alertness and capability to others. Psychological studies have shown that job seekers who sit up straight appear much more engaging, persuasive and compelling to hiring managers. Take up more space in the room. In general, strong people make themselves at home anywhere, occupy a lot of space, and move freely rather than getting locked in one place. Sitting with a straight spine and relaxed chest will increase testosterone and estrogen levels while reducing cortisol intake. 2. Add a stride to your step. A common way to appear more confident to others is simply to put a small stride in your step. By walking with a level head, open chest and long strides, you will naturally appear more confident, in-control and poised when moving around the office. 3. Slightly alter the manner in which you gesture. How you move your hands and arms when you talk will influence the way others think about you. Unknowingly, the human eye equates people who speak with their hands and elbows further away from their torso as self-assured and trustworthy. Additionally, individuals who either curl their fingers in a fist or straighten them flat out when they talk will convey a sense of self-worth to the other person(s) in the room. Conversely, clasping your hands in front of you and / or keeping your elbows pressed to your sides will make you appear cold or anxious. In the End Understand that strength alone does not cut it. While it commands attention, it often can make a person appear to be emotionally distant and, thus undermines their ability to lead due to a lack of connection with those around them. Balance out your strength with warmth by displaying a more upbeat, positive attitude. Never underestimate the power of a smile. Smiling accomplishes four powerful things: it conveys confidence, happiness, enthusiasm and acceptance. Around the office, enthusiasm becomes contagious. Nobody wants to learn from a moody, pessimistic, pissed-off manager. Rather, employees more readily devote their attention, loyalty and time to superiors who display optimistic viewpoints.

Using a Resume Writing Service in Kingman, Arizona

Using a Resume Writing Service in Kingman, ArizonaA resume writing service in Kingman, Arizona has been in business for over twenty years. They are well known for their professional service and flexible payment plans.After being introduced to the services offered by Hank Creative Group in Kingman, I decided to research and compare some of the services offered. I considered price, quality, service, etc., but I was unable to find a review on the service that I found. After a little more research, I discovered that Hank Creative Group is a complete marketing, executive resumes, and cover letter writing and editing service.They offer a whole package of services, which include writing, proofreading, editing, and publishing. Their goal is to provide the highest level of customer service possible and provide their clients with everything they need to generate their very best resume. Their resume writing service is prepared for each client to ensure the highest level of professionalism, read ability, and consistency.In order to get a feel for the resume writing service in Kingman, Arizona, I decided to use the services for myself. I sent them my original resume and was given several revisions. My next step was to send in an updated resume, ask for a free complimentary consultation to discuss the resume and whether or not it was necessary, and finally send in my cover letter. I received several revisions before being accepted for the job.The reason why I decided to use the resume writing service in Kingman, Arizona was because it was a complete package service. I sent in a resume that included a complete list of qualifications and experience, including experience and education that were relevant. I submitted a professional, completed, and professionally formatted cover letter, and requested a free complimentary consultation so I could receive feedback from a professional resume writer who understands the industry.The search and selection of the best candidate was based o n these three pieces of information and other information was considered as well. After receiving the feedback from the resume writing service in Kingman, Arizona, I received a phone call from one of the managers of the firm asking me if I would be interested in an interview.I received an email invitation to a job opportunity in Mesa, Arizona. I was able to be interviewed within a few days after receiving the invitation. As it turned out, the position I was interviewing for was exactly what I wanted!While researching a resume writing service in Kingman, Arizona, I was able to learn how a great resume can be written for me and why it was important to hire a professionally written resume. Having received numerous compliments and good feedback, I will continue to use the services of Hank Creative Group when needed.

How to Get Your Idea Across More Successfully

How to Get Your Idea Across More Successfully So often we propose an idea and get shot down but can’t figure out why. We’ve prepared on our end: the pitch is perfect, our message is clear, we’re feeling ready. Then, bam â€" the answer is no! It could be a big client meeting with millions at stake, or when making the case for putting a junior team member up for promotion. Whether large or small, these situations can be hugely frustrating. The good news is, I recently received some great advice that can help you get your points across successfully on a consistent basis. And (hopefully!) eliminate a lot of those frustrating situations where the outcome is not what you wanted it to be despite your best efforts beforehand. When you’ve done everything you can When you’ve done all that you can to prepare for the meeting, the answer often lies in what happens once you walk into the room. If you just push full steam ahead with your perfect plan for the meeting, it can still flop. For example, you could plan for weeks or even months the perfect moment to get on bended knee and propose to your loved one â€" the perfect ring, the perfect outfit, the perfect location. But when you get there, if he or she has just had a major argument with someone else, then you might not get the joyful response you want (and the one that they want to give) if you were to pop the question just then. First, you have to remove the impediment of your loved one’s understandably bad mood. The same holds true in our work lives. Just because you’re ready to get on with your pitch or request doesn’t mean the other person is ready to receive it. So when you get in the room, it’s time to take a real-time look at the other side of the equation: the recipient of your brilliant message. What’s the recipient’s state of mind? When you begin that meeting or call, start by checking on the recipient’s state of mind. Yes, put aside all your preparation and even your anxiety or anticipation of plowing into your message and do this check first. A particularly problematic mindset is the “fear state”, which Gary Klaben (my coach at Strategic Coach and CEO of a highly successful wealth management company) talks about in this short video. Being in a fear state shows up as being negative and risk averse, seeing obstacles rather than opportunities, and having a closed rather than abundance mindset. The problem is that when the person across the table from you is in a fear state, they aren’t in a position to make good decisions. And people are often operating from a fear state. That’s why you might end up with “no” when the better answer for everyone would be “yes”.   That is, you might end up in the proverbial “lose/lose” box. So it’s worth understanding and recognizing when you’re facing someone in a fear state. Recognize the “fear state” Start by knowing that people typically get into a fear state for one of two reasons: They fear losing something they have, or They fear not getting something they want. Based on that, you can take a look at what they are working on and what’s going on in their lives. Are they stressed? Is your proposal threatening to what they have or what they want? Is the way you’re approaching them helpful and aligned with how they like to receive information and requests? Once you recognize that someone may be in a fear state, you can do something about it to improve your chances of getting your point across and even getting to yes. Remove the “fear state” obstacle As Gary states, the best way to do something about it is this to help the person become aware they’re in that state and help them get out of it. The trick is to artfully shift the dialogue to remove the “fear state” obstacle so that the real conversation â€" an open and constructive one can take place. You can do this by identifying the issues they bring up, and turning the scenario around by flipping it on its head. So if you were proposing a new hire in a tough market environment, here’s an example of what you might say. “I hear you saying you believe the market will turn down, so we might lose money. What if we turned that on its head and looked at it from the perspective of positioning the organization for competitive advantage. What would that look like?” Then you let them state it on their own terms. They may have an “aha” such as this is a strategic hire that could give us a big leg up over the competition. But even if not, at least this can get them into a state of mind where they can consider other frames of reference. You become their thinking partner, working through the scenarios together, understanding their perspective, and imagining possibilities rather than shutting things down prematurely. It’s mutually beneficial When you take into account the recipient and their state of mind, it can make the difference between a yes and a no. And it can give you richer information about your colleague, team member or manager. And no matter what the answer, this approach can improve your relationship with that other person. It’s a mutually beneficial scenario all around. So remember, a great way to get what you want and have great meetings is by paying attention to what the other person is thinking, feeling, and experiencing especially if they're in a fear state. And don’t plow ahead with your brilliant message until you’ve removed the fear state obstacle. What’s your biggest insight from this strategy? Leave a comment and let me know.

Make 2012 The Year You Help Someone

Make 2012 The Year You Help Someone Instead of thinking about yourself in 2012, considering thinking about others. Look for ways to help them get what they need.Whether young or old, experienced or not one area many people need help with these days is career. My client Linda inspired me recently byreally going out of her way to help someone land her first job. In Lindas own words,I feel really strongly about people trying to help each other find their next stop along the career highway. And it shows!To help someone in 2012, heres what you can learn from Linda:Be open to informational interviews. Linda spent time with a career newcomer to explain both a high level understanding of the work environment as well as a practical and realistic idea of what is expected in the position. Linda went even further than just talking about her work, and gave a full tour of her workspace complete with explanations of how all the pieces and team roles fit together. Having this kind of birds eye view gave an inspiring context to the jo b seeker and an ability to see a career path.Share your network. Linda offered up additional connections that would help expand the network of the job seeker. She made an introduction to a former colleague who had been in the business a long time so that the newcomer could hear firsthand what its like actually doing the job day in and day out. For many this inside scoop is the perfect research to know if a job will fit their talents and personalityinvaluable insight to know before going into an interview.Offer to help going forward. Linda asked to be kept posted on the persons job hunt and offered to role play on the phone for any upcoming interviews. Given that she used to interview people for the job the person was going after, this kind of support was extremely valuable. Its important to recognize that when people like Linda invest their time, they want to know how things progress with your search so be sure to keep them up-to-date at least monthly.What ways have you helped oth ers or been helped? Id love to hear your story. Heres to a New Year where you give (and get) all the help you need on the career highway!You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give. Kahlil Gibran(Photo courtesy of Flickr user Asenat29.)