What are you worth?

Recognizing your position of power with your employer – and leveraging it.

It is not entirely unsurprising that so many people feel that their employer “has all the power” and they, the employee, have no choice but to accept it.

Interestingly, more often than not, when you take a step back and truly take a look at your situation, you may find out that you have a lot more to bargain with – and a lot less to lose – than your boss does.

While we see regular news about the economy hurting and high unemployment, the fact of the matter is that many industries truly are an employees market – not the other way around. In other words, there are more than a small number of firms that are really hurting for more qualified staff.

So: How do you know if you're carrying a bigger stick than you may think ?

Firstly, you have to take an HONEST appraisal of your own performance at work; You don't have to share this with anyone, but you do have to tell yourself the truth:

1. Do you accomplish everything your job requires you to, every day ?
2. Do you often go above and beyond the call of duty in your job ?
3. Are you one of the more productive or skilled employees in your group ?
4. Do you notice that any time you are away, the departments workload to catch up is more than when someone else is away ?
5. Are you the 'go to' person for your colleagues ?

Second, what's the hiring situation like, both at your employer in specific and in your industry, in general ?

1. Is your company short-staffed, with near constant “for hire” ads running ?
2. Do you often receive contacts from recruiters, specifically looking to talk to you (or “someone in a position identical to yours”, nudge, nudge, wink, wink)
3. Do you notice employment ads for many of your competitors in employment sites like monster.com and linkedin.com ?
4. Have you noticed that when other people leave your firm, are they employed almost immediately after they leave where you work ?
5. Do you have an unusual churn rate where you work, despite pay and benefits being attractive ?

Finally, you need to make an honest self-appraisal of yourself-as-someone-to-work with:

1. Do you have a generally pleasant disposition ?
2. Do you avoid complaining about the little – or big – things frequently ?
3. Do you avoid gossiping about co-workers, or speaking negatively about them behind their backs ?
4. Do you generally have a “can do” attitude when asked to perform extra work, even if it isn't necessarily strictly in your job definition ?
5. Do you accept criticism well, taking it as an opportunity for professional growth, rather than a personal attack ?
6. Do you contribute to your work place, be that either/or in suggestions to improve projects in specific, or the company as a whole ?
7. Do you contribute to your co-workers, helping them get their jobs done better, faster or more efficiently, without necessarily “looking for the credit” all the time ?

If you answered yes to most or even all of the above, you have a LOT more “employee currency” than you might think; ...Read More

Thanks Mark Bissonette of Canadian ISP for this article

To your success

Fran Watson

 

Looking For Work

The first question to ask yourself is, “where am I looking?” If the newspaper is your only source, you are cheating yourself of some great opportunities. If you are searching on the internet, you are also short-changing yourself. Many companies do not use either of these methods for hiring; they use networking techniques. You have heard people say, “It’s who you know,” and this is true.

Think about it for a minute. Which would you choose, a complete stranger or a person referred by one of your employees or friends? If you had a choice between placing a job ad that costs $100 - $200 or paying an employee a bonus of $50 for a referral, which would you choose? It makes economic sense for employers to use networking, and it makes good sense for you to do it too.

How do you network? To start off you make a list of everyone that you know, even slightly – your barber/hairdresser, the bank teller, the cashier at the grocery store, your next-door neighbour. Keep writing until you can’t think of anyone else. Then look at your list again and try to figure out where each person works and what kind of information they could provide you with. These are probably not the people who will be hiring you, but they may be the link to the person who will.

Have you let everyone know that you are looking for work and the type of work you are looking for? Or do you just say you are looking for “anything.” People need to know more facts than that. Will you really do “anything” or are there some limits on what you are willing to do. Take some time to write down a short summary of your skills and experience and what you are looking for. Use this when contacting employers.

Is your resume up to date? Does it have all your skills and experience on it? Is it targeted for the specific work area you are looking for, or is it so general that people have to try to guess what it is you are applying for? Do you have extra copies that you can give to the people in your network? Or are you waiting until that perfect job appears before you write it up? You should always have a current resume ready as you never know when that perfect opportunity will arise.

If you need some help with your resume, get in touch with me and I will help you.

Fran Watson
www.franwatson.ca

What Do Employers Want?

In today’s competitive life, employers are looking for people who can contribute to the growth of the company and boost its productivity.

Therefore, for people who are seeking employment and that dream job, it is important to know the most sought after job skills on the list of most employers.

1. The ability to research

Job seekers should possess the ability to research not because they wanted to land a job in a research company but in order to do simple searches on the data needed by a particular activity.

2. Logical thinking

Most employers need people who are able to produce effective solutions and to make sensible solutions regarding a proposal or a probable activity.

3. Technologically literate

With the advent of information technology, most job openings require people who are computer literate or know how to operate different machines and office equipments.

Most employers do not necessarily need people who are technological graduates. The simple fact that job seekers know the basic principles of technology is already enough.

4. Communication skills

People who are able to land a good job are mostly those who are adept in speaking and writing. Employers hire people who are able to express their thoughts efficiently through verbal and written communication.

5. Organizational skills

Organization is extremely important in maintaining a harmonious working relationship in the company. Hence, most employers look for people who know how to maintain order.

6. Interpersonal skills

Because the working environment involves working with people of various personalities, it is necessary to acquire the skills necessary to communicate with people from different walks of life.

7. Professional Growth

Employers hire people who are able to create a plan that will generate personal career growth. This means that the person is willing to improve him or herself professionally by learning new things he or she still does not know.

These are just some of the most wanted job skills by most employers. Hence, it is important for the job seekers to take note of these assets in order to be successful in every endeavor they make.

To your job search success

Fran Watson

Give Yourself An Edge In THe Interview

Follow these steps to stand out in your next interview.



For an interview planning form, Click here

To your success
Fran
http://www.franwatson.ca/

P.S.  Find out who's hiring: 
Whos Hiring – Top employers week of 11-22-10 http://bit.ly/eP1Lmd #career #jobsearch

No Jobs???

Think there are no jobs out there?
Think again

Are you reading the papers and thinking, “there are no jobs”?
Do you know that approximately 80% of the available jobs are not advertised.

Are you spending 40 hours a week on your job search?
If you are looking for a full-time job, you should be spending 30 – 40 hours a week on job search activities – reading, researching, networking, preparing resumes, practicing interview techniques, etc.

Do you know how to use the computer/internet to help you in your job search – to look up information on employers and careers?
If not, sign up now and attend a local free computer workshop.

Is your resume up to date and targeted to a specific job or employer?
If not, you may be losing out on jobs you are qualified for. There really is no "one size fits all" resume.
Some of the biggest mistakes made on resumes are: distortions or lies (be truthful in everything), too much information, messiness and typographical errors (typos), lack of specific information, irrelevant information, failure to list job accomplishments.
Proofread your resume carefully. A poll of Fortune 1000 executives revealed nearly one-third of them wouldn’t hire an applicant whose resume contains a typo.


Have you practiced your interview techniques with a friend or family member? Do you know what to say when the employer says, “Tell me about yourself?” If not, sit down and list all the things you have done in every job and every volunteer activity. You may be surprised by all the things you have accomplished and forgotten about. The next step is to summarize your accomplishments to target the skills the employer is looking for.

Put your best foot forward....good luck

Fran Watson

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

Looking for something a little different? Click Here!
*****************************************

A comfort zone denotes the limited set of behaviors and environments that a person can engage in without becoming anxious.

The Comfort Zone is our living, work, and social environments that we have grown accustom too. It determines the type of friends we make or people we associate with. It determines a life style we accept or reject.

Most of us love the familiar. Whether we realize it or not, we put a lot of work into ensuring that certain things in our lives remain constant.This personal “comfort zone” is the invisible, but very real area that defines the boundaries of what we know and understand. By staying within this comfort zone we reassure ourselves that we are safe. And as long as we are safely held within the walls of what we know we feel secure and confident.

As we move closer to the edges of that zone we begin to feel a bit shaky and unsure of ourselves. But those edges are where we grow. And by stretching those boundaries we increase our ability to receive.

T. Harv Eker, the author of The Secrets of The Millionaire Mind has said that our comfort zone equals our money zone. In order to have more money in our lives we must expand our comfort zone.

I would add that our comfort zone equals our joy zone, our love zone, our fulfillment zone, our spiritual connection zone, you name it.

So if you want more of anything in your life, the place to start is with your comfort zone. By expanding your comfort zone you will get more of what you want. It’s that simple.

Now it sounds easy enough, but most of us have built up some pretty sturdy walls around our comfort zone. Pushing them out or breaking them down requires conscious, concerted effort. And I have found that it’s easier to expand the comfort zone in small, steady, steps than in great big leaps. But in order to do that, you need to intentionally take expansive action on a daily basis.

So to get you started, I’ve created a list of 50 actions that might expand your comfort zone.

Keep in mind that the parameters of everyone’s comfort zone are different. So if you already love to Scuba dive, number 30 on this list isn’t going to expand your comfort zone very much! But there are most likely other items on this list that will work for you.

Also realize that many of these can, and may need to be, turned around to work for you. For example, number 6 is “Be the first to say, “I love you.” But if you’re the one that always says I love you first, you’ll need to turn it around to “Let the other person say ‘I love you’ first.” For some of you that’s going to be quite uncomfortable, especially when the other person doesn’t say “I love you!”

This is not meant to be an all-inclusive list. It can’t be. Instead, it’s a catalyst and a reminder for you to take small steps each and every day that expand your comfort zone.

Here’s the list:

1. Try some new food.
2. Go on a silent retreat.
3. Ask for a raise.
4. Smile at strangers.
5. Say hello to people in the grocery store.
6. Be the first to say “I love you.”
7. Perform at an open mike night.
8. Eat at a local restaurant by yourself.
9. Take a day off from work to volunteer at your child’s school.
10. Go back to school.
11. Start a new business.
12. Moonlight as a waitperson.
13. Unplug the TV for a week.
14. Write in a journal every day.
15. Learn to surf.
16. Go to a different church/temple/mosque each week.
17. Get your news from different sources.
18. Live in another country.
19. Do a house-swap for a month.
20. Use public transportation.
21. Wear an outrageous outfit.
22. Meditate for 15-minutes a day.
23. Put your cell phone in a drawer for a full week.
24. Make a fool of yourself – on purpose.
25. Call someone you admire in your community and ask them out for lunch.
26. Ask someone you admire to be your mentor.
27. Switch sides (of the bed) with your partner.
28. Confront a phobia.
29. Jump out of a plane (with a parachute please!).
30. Learn to scuba dive.
31. Say I love you to your parents/children/siblings/friends.
32. Admit you were wrong.
33. Go to a movie by yourself.
34. Take responsibility for something you didn’t do.
35. Give away all one-month’s income.
36. Give a public talk on a topic you’re passionate about.
37. Join a networking group.
38. Disconnect the Internet for a week.
39. Ask for help.
40. Get a part time job as a checker at your local grocery store.
41. Enter an art show.
42. Forgive someone.
43. Join Toastmasters.
44. Start a blog.
45. Ask for a partial or complete telecommute arrangement at work.
46. Take lessons in something you’ve always wanted to try (art, music, woodworking, dancing, etc.).
47. Learn a foreign language.
48. Read a book in a genre you don’t usually read.
49. Delegate more of your work.
50. Get up an hour earlier than usual.
51. Try a therapy or modality that seems a bit “out there.”

Which of these have the most potential for expanding your comfort zone? Which ones made you gulp or start to sweat a bit?

Which actions did I leave off this list that, for you, are particularly effective at expanding your comfort zone?

*** from Evolving Times

Take a chance on yourself - step outside your comfort zone at least once every day. It will improve your self-confidence and make you a better employee.

Fran

P.S. If you want to read other's comments on this post, go to http://www.evolvingtimes.com/2007/09/51-ways-to-expand-your-comfort-zone.htm

How Do You View Life?

PERCEPTIONS


How was your latest car wash experience?

Did you take your car to a do-it-yourself car wash where you could ensure that every spot that needed to be cleaned was clean?

Did you approach the car wash cautiously, checking your windows 2 and 3 times to ensure that they were firmly secure so that no water could come inside? Then carefully ease your car up to the marked line and then wait - feeling powers beyond your control begin to move your car forward and then feel trapped inside when the thunderous rush of water, soap and brushes hit your car from all directions?

Or did you cheerfully approach the car wash, deposit your coins and gently guide your car into the tracks calmly and serenely.

Did you wonder if you were going to get stuck in the middle and be unable to get out? Did you wonder if the machinery would break down? Did you wonder if your windows Or did you sit back comfortably in your warm cocoon, knowing that you were in good hands and that the machinery was there simply to wash away the dirt and the grime to leave your car clean and ready to go again?

I was at my mom's a couple of weeks ago. Mom likes her car clean, but doesn't feel comfortable doing it on her own - well, she is over 80, so I guess that's why. As I was taking her car through the car wash, I thought about the various car wash experiences, and realized how this experience applies to our daily lives.

Some people see their lives as out of their control. They feel buffeted about by the trials and tribulations of life. They approach it with fear and trepidation, wondering what will hit them next. They are constantly looking around, waiting for the next blow.

Others see that they have set things in motion, that they are on the right track as they pass through life, and that the forces that buffet them are simply there to clean away the debris, leaving them refreshed and ready to carry on with a clean slate.

For those that like the do-it-yourself car wash, and I confess, I am one, our lives are probably much more controlled. We are not content to be on a pre-set track. We may be highly competitive. We may have to be number one. We may have to, as Frank Sinatra said "do it my way." Some of us may not be content to work for someone else, we have to be entrepreneurs so that we can guide our life in the way that we want it to be go. And we ensure that all the specks are removed, that there is nothing hindering us, that there is nothing in our way. It's all in how we perceive our life.

The same situation is often viewed very differently by people in each of these groups. That's why even "eye witness" accounts vary so much. Everyone has heard the question - is the glass half full or is it half empty? Do we look at what's missing - what we don't have, or do we consider the benefits and blessings we do have? Now my oldest son likes to say - "It depends on whether you are filling it up, or drinking it". However, most of us would have a set response. For those who have the scary car wash experience, they may see the glass and their life as half empty and out of their control. For people who see the glass as half full, they probably have a good car wash experience. They are content, calm, ready to travel on with life.

The way we look at things changes how we feel about what goes on in our lives, and how we deal with things. When it comes to employment, some people have a perception that a person without a grade 12 education is not worth hiring, yet there are a number of very successful businessmen, some even millionaires, who have less than a grade 8 education, but more smarts than a university graduate.

In the job search - if you think you won't get a job, your body image changes and the employer's perception of you and your abilities may be affected by this. Try this: Let your shoulders hunch forward, hang your head a little and say "I feel great". It's almost impossible to feel great when your posture says I feel lousy. Next, take a deep breath, put your shoulders back, your head up, a smile on your face and say, "I feel great". This time when you say it, you'll mean it. When you change the image, you also change the perception - both for yourself and the employer.

Our perceptions of events are coloured by the way we think, by the way we perceive life. I know a woman who has a beautiful home, an expensive car, fairly expensive clothes and she owns a company. People perceive her as being very rich. What they don't know is that her house is heavily mortgaged and that she has extensive credit card debt, and the clothes that she is wearing are probably 15-20 years old, purchased at a time when she had a little more money. But it is difficult to change people's perceptions. Someone else might be seen as incredibly poor, living in a tiny shack of a house, not driving the latest car, but that person may be very, very content with what they have. So, while others perceive them as being poor, they may see themselves as very, very rich.

Think about your perceptions. Are you full of hope? Or hopeless? Even the worst situations can have a positive side if we look for the silver lining. For those with a hopeless perspective, this is much more difficult as all they can see are the storm clouds. These people may need help to see that the sun always comes out eventually and that there is always another day, another chance to change things, to wash away the troubles of life.

It's up to the hope full people to lead the way. I challenge you to view life with a positive perspective. To look for the lesson in life's difficulties so that you can share what you've learned with others, so they too can survive and grow from their car wash experiences.

Points to Ponder

What are three things you are doing regularly that don't serve or support you?

What can you do to change this?

What could you work on now that would make the biggest difference to your life?

What would be your ideal career - if you could do anything?

Fran

How are Your Telephone Skills?

Polishing your telephone skills
By, Cecile Peterkin

Does the thought of a telephone job interview make you nervous? Do you dread making business calls? Does taking part in a conference call stress you out?

You are not alone! Many of us prefer face-to-face communication; however, telephone communication is becoming more popular than ever before. As more of us work from home, deal with global colleagues and clients, and apply for jobs overseas, phone usage is on the rise. Your telephone skills have become a marketing tool.

The first few moments on the phone are crucial. There are statistics that show people develop a perception about you within the first 30 seconds of a phone call and their final opinion of you in the last 30 seconds. With this in mind, make sure the first and last things you say are memorable. During interviews, business, and conference calls phone time is often tight – don’t waste it – keep your answers short and relevant. Use active listening so you are aware of not only what the other participants are saying but how they say it and make sure the person is with you at each stage. The way you speak over the telephone conveys 85% of your message. Focus your voice effectively.

Before the call:
· Make sure you are prepared.
· Have all materials at hand and know the key points you want to cover.
· If calling from home, dress smartly for the call. It will boost your confidence.
· Minimize distractions; close your inbox and call from a quiet & private environment.
· Check for phone clarity.
· Use a headset if you can, and make sure it’s comfortable.
· Have the correct name of the person you are calling.
· At the start of the conversation, set out what the objectives of the call will be.
· Visualize the person you are speaking to, even if you don’t know them. This is a reminder you are in a two-way communication.
· Smile - Smiling changes the tone of your voice. Try standing up - standing can help you feel more authoritative.
· Speak clearly, slowly, and purposefully.
· Take notes if you have to.
· Do not multitask; focus on the call.
· Use the other person’s name when appropriate.
· When you are listening make the other person aware you are there, use statements such as “I see”, “Right”, “Ok”.

Remember! The phone doesn’t have to be a nightmare.

Cecile Peterkin is the is the President and Founder of Cosmic Coaching Centre, and publishes “Recipes for Success”, a Free monthly ezine on living your best life both personally and professionally.

*******************

Read the above tips carefully. Dress for success even if you are on the phone. Your attitude comes the telephone lines. Put a mirror near your phone if you need to in order to make sure you are smiling.

Good luck in your job search!!

Fran Watson

Interview Tips

As a Career/Employment Counsellor and Workshop Developer/Facilitator who has been working in the employment field for the past 17 years, I can help you with some interview tips and techniques.

Perhaps it has been some time since you have had an interview. Perhaps you think you can ace an interview. Whatever your current status, you may find these tips helpful.

Your resume is like an advertising flyer. It is what gets you in the door. If you have been job searching for a while and have not been having any luck, maybe it is your resume.

However if you have been getting interviews, but not the job, then it may be your interview techniques.

Common Job Interview Questions

By rehearsing interview questions, you'll become more familiar with your own qualifications and will be well prepared to demonstrate how you can benefit an employer. Some examples:

"Tell me about yourself."

Make a short, organized statement of your education and professional achievements and professional goals. Then, briefly describe your qualifications for the job and the contributions you could make to the organization.

"Why do you want to work here?" or "What about our company interests you?"

Few questions are more important than these, so it is important to answer them clearly and with enthusiasm. Show the interviewer your interest in the company. Share what you learned about the job, the company and the industry through your own research. Talk about how your professional skills will benefit the company. Unless you work in sales, your answer should never be simply: "money." The interviewer will wonder if you really care about the job.

"Why did you leave your last job?"

The interviewer may want to know if you had any problems on your last job. If you did not have any problems, simply give a reason, such as: relocated away from job; company went out of business; laid off; temporary job; no possibility of advancement; wanted a job better suited to your skills. If you did have problems, be honest. Show that you can accept responsibility and learn from your mistakes. You should explain any problems you had (or still have) with an employer, but don't describe that employer in negative terms. Demonstrate that it was a learning experience that will not affect your future work.

"What are your best skills?"

If you have sufficiently researched the organization, you should be able to imagine what skills the company values. List them, then give examples where you have demonstrated these skills.

"What is your major weakness?"

Be positive; turn a weakness into a strength. For example, you might say: "I often worry too much over my work. Sometimes I work late to make sure the job is done well."

"Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others?"

The ideal answer is one of flexibility. However, be honest. Give examples describing how you have worked in both situations.

"What are your career goals?" or "What are your future plans?"

The interviewer wants to know if your plans and the company's goals are compatible. Let him know that you are ambitious enough to plan ahead. Talk about your desire to learn more and improve your performance, and be specific as possible about how you will meet the goals you have set for yourself.

"What are your hobbies?" and "Do you play any sports?"

The interviewer may be looking for evidence of your job skills outside of your professional experience. For example, hobbies such as chess or bridge demonstrate analytical skills. Reading, music, and painting are creative hobbies. Individual sports show determination and stamina, while group sport activities may indicate you are comfortable working as part of a team. Also, the interviewer might simply be curious as to whether you have a life outside of work. Employees who have creative or athletic outlets for their stress are often healthier, happier and more productive.

"What salary are you expecting?"

You probably don't want to answer this one directly. Instead, deflect the question back to the interviewer by saying something like: "I don't know. What are you planning on paying the best candidate?" Let the employer make the first offer. However, it is still important to know what the current salary range is for the profession. Find salary surveys at the library or on the Internet, and check the classifieds to see what comparable jobs in your area are paying. This information can help you negotiate compensation once the employer makes an offer.

"What have I forgotten to ask?"

Use this as a chance to summarize your good characteristics and attributes and how they may be used to benefit the organization. Convince the interviewer that you understand the job requirements and that you can succeed.

Here are some other job interview questions you might want to rehearse.

Your Qualifications

What can you do for us that someone else can't do?

What qualifications do you have that relate to the position??

What new skills or capabilities have you developed recently?

Give me an example from a previous job where you've shown initiative.

What have been your greatest accomplishments recently?

What is important to you in a job?

What motivates you in your work?

What have you been doing since your last job?

What qualities do you find important in a coworker?

Your Career Goals

What would you like to be doing five years from now?

How will you judge yourself successful? How will you achieve success?

What type of position are you interested in?

How will this job fit in your career plans?

What do you expect from this job?

Do you have a location preference?

Can you travel?

What hours can you work?

When could you start?

Your Work Experience

What have you learned from your past jobs?

What were your biggest responsibilities?

What specific skills acquired or used in previous jobs relate to this position?

How does your previous experience relate to this position?

What did you like most / least about your last job?

Whom may we contact for references?

Your Education

How do you think your education has prepared you for this position?

What were your favourite classes / activities at school?

Why did you choose your major?

Do you plan to continue your education?

Websites with Interview INFO

http://www.careercc.com/interv3.shtml


http://www.job-interview.net/Bank/JobInterviewQuestions.htm



http://www.danenet.wicip.org/jets/jet-9407-p.html

Free Resume Information

http://www.umn.edu/ohr/ecep/resume

http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/career/resume.html

http://www.rileyguide.com

http://jobstar.org/tools/resume.index.cfm

www.ersumes.com

www.damngood.com/introjobseeker.html

www.scu.edu/careercenter/resources/publications/resumes.pdf

Here is a FREE article on Killer Cover Letters by Jimmy Sweeney with my compliments

Come back and check for updates.

Lacking required skills?

Have you been looking for work only to find that there are some skills you are lacking? Perhaps your education needs to be updated, or perhaps your computer skills.

There are many places where you can obtain free upgrading or training, but first you need to take a close look at the reasons why you want or need the training. There may be government programs to help you once you decide, or you many have to foot the bill yourself. Either way, you need to take some time to evaluate just what it is you need.

If you need computer skills, there are places on the internet, such as www.hplearningcenter.com where you can get free training in software programs and webpage building as well as other items. You can also do a search for free computer training.

If you aren't sure what you want to do, you can search out some questionnaires to examine your personality and the type of work that might be enjoyable for your specific personality, such as this one.

Take some time to evaluate your skills and determine what it is you need to better succeed in your job search, then go and get what you need.

All the best
Fran