Try the following strategies from Karen Coe of TMP Worldwide Executive Search and Ken Scott of Axmith to make yourself the No. 1 choice:
1. Be the best at what you do. Show others how to raise their skills, too.
2. Be the first to suggest cost-cutting ideas and track the return to the bottom line, even if it’s only in your area.
3. Examine how to redesign your own job to find ways to broaden its contribution.
4. Be prepared to put in extra hours to increase productivity and deliverables.
5. Keep a high profile in activities closely aligned with the company’s values, which includes volunteer work with charities and corporate causes that broadens your network and evidences contribution that is not self-serving and is team focused.
6. Don’t wait for the job vacancy. Pave the way by making sure your boss knows you want more responsibility.
7. Employees need to treat their own company as a client. In order to stay
8. Prepare for positions you’re interested in. If you’re gunning for a job in a foreign country, begin taking language classes before any opportunity presents itself. Think about portability.
9. Likewise, don’t let a company know you’re interested in a foreign post if you can’t do it. You could, though, tell them you can’t do it. That helps them know where they can promote you.
10. We are facing a severe management shortage in Canada with baby boomers retiring. Companies are deciding who their top talent is.
11. Opportunity comes to people who are dressed for it, so always be ready.
12. Follow through in every commitment made to your boss, colleagues or anyone else.
Do what you can!
Fran
www.franwatson.ca/resources.html
Showing posts with label skills. Show all posts
Showing posts with label skills. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Job Finding Formula
Hey Job Seeker, welcome to my blog site.
I have just been given permission to share a fabulous resource with you to help you with your job search.
Are you aware that approximately 80% of the available jobs are not advertised? See what you can do to find the one that works for you!
This resource can help you look at what will work for you, some really neat techniques you can use to land that job you really want, and show you how to use the Hidden Job Market.
Check it out right away.
Contents include:
- The Hidden Job Market,
- How People Really Get Jobs,
- Developing Your Resume,
- Powerful Interview Techniques
and much, much more.
Best of luck....happy hunting!
Fran Watson
www.franwatson.ca
P.S. Here's that link again: JobFindingFormula
I have just been given permission to share a fabulous resource with you to help you with your job search.
Are you aware that approximately 80% of the available jobs are not advertised? See what you can do to find the one that works for you!
This resource can help you look at what will work for you, some really neat techniques you can use to land that job you really want, and show you how to use the Hidden Job Market.
Check it out right away.
Contents include:
- The Hidden Job Market,
- How People Really Get Jobs,
- Developing Your Resume,
- Powerful Interview Techniques
and much, much more.
Best of luck....happy hunting!
Fran Watson
www.franwatson.ca
P.S. Here's that link again: JobFindingFormula
Sunday, March 08, 2009
How To Be A Leader At Work
Most organizations have at least one person who is a natural leader. When it is announced she will be leading a new team, employees line up to join. When he asks for a volunteer for an assignment, people jump at the chance. Employees turn to her as a mentor, or look to him as a role model.
Meanwhile, others in the organization are struggling to do their job with too few human resources. So how do natural leaders do it? What is their secret to getting people to go the extra mile for them?
Although many effective leaders are naturally charismatic, there are a number of leadership behaviours that can be adopted by anyone who wants to have greater support from other people. While some leadership techniques may sound manipulative, a wise leader knows the best results come from having people provide their support willingly.
People naturally want to follow a good leader. After meeting with an effective leader it is not unusual to feel uplifted, inspired and motivated to work towards a common goal.
Effective leaders make others feel good about themselves as well as the work they are doing. The leader has a vision of what she wants to achieve and can communicate that vision to others in a way that makes people want to be part of it.
One thing a good leader typically does is to communicate the big picture, so that each employee can see how the particular role he plays makes a contribution to the final result.
In a recent study of employees at all levels in companies of all sizes, Beverly Kaye and Sharon Jordan-Evans, authors of Love ‘Em or Lose ‘Em, found that “meaningful work, making a difference and a contribution” was one of the top three reasons given by 90% of employees when asked why they remain at a company. (The other reasons cited among the top three were “career growth, learning and development” and “exciting work and challenge.”)
When someone understands why a job that might otherwise be considered menial is important, that person is likely to be both more committed and more productive.
People are also likely to follow leaders they see as positive role models. If a leader demonstrates a strong belief in something, it inspires others to work towards the leader’s vision, even when a situation might appear to be almost hopeless. An excellent example of a leader who faced this type of situation is Lee Iacocca. When Chrysler’s fortunes reached a low in the 1980s, he cut his salary to $1 per year to prove his conviction that things would get better. They did. Under his leadership, the company flourished.
Good leaders not only “walk the walk”, they “talk the talk”. When they speak about the future, they are positive and upbeat. Mark Victor Hansen, a successful motivational speaker and co-author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books, said that even in the early days of his career, if someone asked how he was doing he always responded that he was doing fabulously. His enthusiasm won him plenty of supporters who helped make his vision a reality.
Yet some people feel the way to get support from others is by telling them how grim a situation is, hoping that will make them want to help turn things around. On the contrary, Eeyores (those who sound like the gloomy Winnie the Pooh character) may inspire people to start looking for another job, rather than work to improve the situation they are in.
If you have a tendency to be negative, but want to inspire others to support you in achieving a goal, resolve to focus on solutions rather than problems. If Plan A isn’t working, avoid bemoaning the situation and instead come up with a Plan B. If necessary, have Plan C waiting in the wings. Maintain a can-do attitude and you are likely to attract people who will support you in achieving your goals.
As well as communicating their vision, good leaders know they need to communicate “what’s in it for you” in order to have employees go the extra mile.
They also understand that different people are motivated by different things. For employees motivated by a need for achievement, a leader explains how the task offers an opportunity to take on a challenging but achievable goal. Those with a desire for power are told how their participation can bring them prestige and lead to greater opportunities. While employees who are motivated by affiliation need to hear how they will be part of a team of people working together.
Effective leaders also use techniques to communicate their belief that each team member is important, including remembering and using people’s preferred names (e.g. not "Rick" if someone prefers to be called "Richard"). As Dale Carnegie observed, “the average person is more interested in his or her own name than in all the other names on earth put together.” Keys to remembering names include paying attention when introduced to someone, mentally repeating the name and using it in conversation.
Good leaders will introduce employees by name first, rather than job title. They refer to employees as team members, associates, or colleagues – never as "subordinates" – and make no distinction between "essential" and "non-essential" staff or "professional" and "non-professional" staff. Words have power, including the power to make people feel whether or not they are important to the success of an organization.
Good leaders believe that every team member matters and foster an environment that makes everyone feel important. It is no wonder they attract all the support they need to help them achieve their goals.
Tag Goulet is CEO of Fabjob.com, a company that publishes e-books on how to break into a "fab" job. Visit www.fabjob.com for information
*********************
Lead On!!
Fran Watson
www.franwatson.ca
Meanwhile, others in the organization are struggling to do their job with too few human resources. So how do natural leaders do it? What is their secret to getting people to go the extra mile for them?
Although many effective leaders are naturally charismatic, there are a number of leadership behaviours that can be adopted by anyone who wants to have greater support from other people. While some leadership techniques may sound manipulative, a wise leader knows the best results come from having people provide their support willingly.
As U.S. President and General Dwight D. Eisenhower defined it:
Leadership is the art of getting someone to do something you want done because he wants to do it. -- Dwight D. Eisenhower
People naturally want to follow a good leader. After meeting with an effective leader it is not unusual to feel uplifted, inspired and motivated to work towards a common goal.
Effective leaders make others feel good about themselves as well as the work they are doing. The leader has a vision of what she wants to achieve and can communicate that vision to others in a way that makes people want to be part of it.
One thing a good leader typically does is to communicate the big picture, so that each employee can see how the particular role he plays makes a contribution to the final result.
In a recent study of employees at all levels in companies of all sizes, Beverly Kaye and Sharon Jordan-Evans, authors of Love ‘Em or Lose ‘Em, found that “meaningful work, making a difference and a contribution” was one of the top three reasons given by 90% of employees when asked why they remain at a company. (The other reasons cited among the top three were “career growth, learning and development” and “exciting work and challenge.”)
When someone understands why a job that might otherwise be considered menial is important, that person is likely to be both more committed and more productive.
People are also likely to follow leaders they see as positive role models. If a leader demonstrates a strong belief in something, it inspires others to work towards the leader’s vision, even when a situation might appear to be almost hopeless. An excellent example of a leader who faced this type of situation is Lee Iacocca. When Chrysler’s fortunes reached a low in the 1980s, he cut his salary to $1 per year to prove his conviction that things would get better. They did. Under his leadership, the company flourished.
Good leaders not only “walk the walk”, they “talk the talk”. When they speak about the future, they are positive and upbeat. Mark Victor Hansen, a successful motivational speaker and co-author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books, said that even in the early days of his career, if someone asked how he was doing he always responded that he was doing fabulously. His enthusiasm won him plenty of supporters who helped make his vision a reality.
Yet some people feel the way to get support from others is by telling them how grim a situation is, hoping that will make them want to help turn things around. On the contrary, Eeyores (those who sound like the gloomy Winnie the Pooh character) may inspire people to start looking for another job, rather than work to improve the situation they are in.
If you have a tendency to be negative, but want to inspire others to support you in achieving a goal, resolve to focus on solutions rather than problems. If Plan A isn’t working, avoid bemoaning the situation and instead come up with a Plan B. If necessary, have Plan C waiting in the wings. Maintain a can-do attitude and you are likely to attract people who will support you in achieving your goals.
As well as communicating their vision, good leaders know they need to communicate “what’s in it for you” in order to have employees go the extra mile.
They also understand that different people are motivated by different things. For employees motivated by a need for achievement, a leader explains how the task offers an opportunity to take on a challenging but achievable goal. Those with a desire for power are told how their participation can bring them prestige and lead to greater opportunities. While employees who are motivated by affiliation need to hear how they will be part of a team of people working together.
Effective leaders also use techniques to communicate their belief that each team member is important, including remembering and using people’s preferred names (e.g. not "Rick" if someone prefers to be called "Richard"). As Dale Carnegie observed, “the average person is more interested in his or her own name than in all the other names on earth put together.” Keys to remembering names include paying attention when introduced to someone, mentally repeating the name and using it in conversation.
Good leaders will introduce employees by name first, rather than job title. They refer to employees as team members, associates, or colleagues – never as "subordinates" – and make no distinction between "essential" and "non-essential" staff or "professional" and "non-professional" staff. Words have power, including the power to make people feel whether or not they are important to the success of an organization.
Good leaders believe that every team member matters and foster an environment that makes everyone feel important. It is no wonder they attract all the support they need to help them achieve their goals.
Tag Goulet is CEO of Fabjob.com, a company that publishes e-books on how to break into a "fab" job. Visit www.fabjob.com for information
*********************
Lead On!!
Fran Watson
www.franwatson.ca
Monday, March 02, 2009
Commit To Lifelong Learning for Personal Success
Commit to Lifelong Learning to Achieve Professional Success
by Debra Pestrak
Being the best in anything requires long hours of practice and a commitment to lifelong learning. From the greatest athletes to the most talented musicians to the world’s prolific writers, these people dedicate themselves to their chosen profession and continually strive to improve themselves. They know that self-improvement is the key to success, and they make a daily effort to hone their talents.
Success in business is no different. In order to be an expert in your field, you must continually improve your business skills and stay on top of business trends. The more you commit to self-improvement and learning, the better you will become and the faster your career will excel.
In order to stress the important correlation between learning and business success, several Fortune 500® executives recently explained how self-improvement paved the way for their rise to the top. Their insights and advice go beyond traditional business school teachings and encompass vital learning's that all workers at any level should heed.
Learn From Those Around You
After spending anywhere from 12 to 18 years in school, many people embark into the business world believing they have all the knowledge under their belt that they’ll need. In reality, quite the opposite is often true. Real business learning begins your first day on the job and it continues until retirement. Those people who accept this fact master business trends and advance their careers faster.
One of your most vital learning resources will be your senior co-workers. They have experience you can learn from and can guide you to correct decisions. Jean Hamilton, Chief Executive Office, Prudential Institutional, cites her mentors and co-workers as her greatest teachers. She says, “I’ve been lucky to work with a number of people from whom I’ve been able to learn. I’ve used them as role models, carefully watching to see things they do well and thinking about how I can emulate them in what I do…. Listening to what others have to say, observing success, and then finding a way to personally incorporate that into your own set of goals and standards—all of that is critical.” By following the lead of these people, Hamilton was able to push past her limits and hone her business judgment.
Similarly, Ellen Hancock, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Exodus Communications, reveals that she acquired most of her communication, leadership, and influencing skills through on-the-job training. When she began her career, she made it a point to meet with her mentors monthly.
She believes having a mentor is vital to success because the learning “becomes more of a personal experience rather than just an assignment.”
To adequately learn from others, look around your current organization and find someone who represents your values. Align yourself with that person so you can continually learn how to best do your job and how to improve your business skills. As you discover the type of support you need to advance your career, you can build a support network of those people who can best assist you with attaining your goals.
Learn From Your Own Mistakes
While mistakes and failures are often painful experiences, they are wonderful learning opportunities that can guide your career and self-development. Too often, people are afraid to make mistakes. They prefer to take the safe route and don’t challenge themselves to achieve more. Those at the top of their field are not afraid of mistakes. They know the importance of risking and learning from their mistakes and are able to move on to achieve greater things with the lessons their mistakes teach them.
Anne Sweeney, President, Disney/ABC Cable Networks and President, Disney Channel, agrees that mistakes are vital to career success. As she says, “I believe that if you stay in jobs where you know you cannot fail, you will never grow. Along the way, you must be prepared to take risks and make mistakes. I mean big mistakes. Mistakes that people know about. Mistakes that people may even write about. Mistakes that will make you question whether you have in fact chosen the right path. This sort of risk-taking constitutes an act of faith in yourself.”
Learn From Training Opportunities
In order to advance your career, you must also take advantage of every training opportunity, whether it’s from your company or an outside source. Why? Within most organizations, knowing various areas of the business is a prerequisite for a move into the executive ranks. You may be able to move close to the top as a specialist, but most organizations will not give you a policy- or decision-making position without knowledge of other areas of the business. This is why you must expand your knowledge base and seek out new ways to gain useful information.
When it comes to learning, Shelley Broader, Senior Vice President, Hannaford Brothers, is a pro. Throughout her climb to the top, she took advantage of every training session she could. She now advises aspiring businesspeople to do the same. “Take advantage of cross-functional learning opportunities and don’t pigeonhole yourself with a single set of skills,” she says. “I’m not practicing what I learned in college by any means, technically. Yet, I have a marketable set of skills and I can learn any tactical function. I can manage people and manage process. I can learn the tactical function that I’m managing.”
To gain hands-on learning, volunteer for new teams and task forces. Read your company’s annual report. Also, look to outside sources, such as trade journals and industry newsletters, for up-to-date market information. The more you know about your company and your industry, the higher you’ll go in your organization.
Learn Something New Today
Career advancement is possible when you make lifelong learning one of your top priorities. As you gain new knowledge and insights, you can continually evaluate the path you’ve chosen to be sure you’re on the right track. By committing yourself to be an eternal student of business, you can rise to the top of any organization.
Read Only © Copyright 2002 Debra Pestrak Used with permission of copyright holder
***********************
Debra Pestrak is an expert at helping people unleash their success, allowing people to be more productive and getting what they want out of life. She is an award-winning speaker, author, business consultant, educator and coach. Pestrak is founder and CEO of Success UNleashed, Inc.®, a company dedicated to delivering high-impact and empowering programs. Visit www.debrapestrak.com for more information on Debra and her programs.
***********************
Article courtesy of Bob ‘Idea Man’ Hooey & Ideas At Work! Visit our webiste: http://www.ideaman.net/ for more downloadable Business Enhancement Success Thinking series of articles by some of North America’s top speakers and experts. If you’ve enjoyed this article, please let the author know, and tell them you read it on http://www.ideaman.net/ Bookmark this site as we add new articles as they are received.
*********************
Bob has lots of great articles, check them out!!
Fran Watson
www.franwatson.ca
by Debra Pestrak
Being the best in anything requires long hours of practice and a commitment to lifelong learning. From the greatest athletes to the most talented musicians to the world’s prolific writers, these people dedicate themselves to their chosen profession and continually strive to improve themselves. They know that self-improvement is the key to success, and they make a daily effort to hone their talents.
Success in business is no different. In order to be an expert in your field, you must continually improve your business skills and stay on top of business trends. The more you commit to self-improvement and learning, the better you will become and the faster your career will excel.
In order to stress the important correlation between learning and business success, several Fortune 500® executives recently explained how self-improvement paved the way for their rise to the top. Their insights and advice go beyond traditional business school teachings and encompass vital learning's that all workers at any level should heed.
Learn From Those Around You
After spending anywhere from 12 to 18 years in school, many people embark into the business world believing they have all the knowledge under their belt that they’ll need. In reality, quite the opposite is often true. Real business learning begins your first day on the job and it continues until retirement. Those people who accept this fact master business trends and advance their careers faster.
One of your most vital learning resources will be your senior co-workers. They have experience you can learn from and can guide you to correct decisions. Jean Hamilton, Chief Executive Office, Prudential Institutional, cites her mentors and co-workers as her greatest teachers. She says, “I’ve been lucky to work with a number of people from whom I’ve been able to learn. I’ve used them as role models, carefully watching to see things they do well and thinking about how I can emulate them in what I do…. Listening to what others have to say, observing success, and then finding a way to personally incorporate that into your own set of goals and standards—all of that is critical.” By following the lead of these people, Hamilton was able to push past her limits and hone her business judgment.
Similarly, Ellen Hancock, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Exodus Communications, reveals that she acquired most of her communication, leadership, and influencing skills through on-the-job training. When she began her career, she made it a point to meet with her mentors monthly.
She believes having a mentor is vital to success because the learning “becomes more of a personal experience rather than just an assignment.”
To adequately learn from others, look around your current organization and find someone who represents your values. Align yourself with that person so you can continually learn how to best do your job and how to improve your business skills. As you discover the type of support you need to advance your career, you can build a support network of those people who can best assist you with attaining your goals.
Learn From Your Own Mistakes
While mistakes and failures are often painful experiences, they are wonderful learning opportunities that can guide your career and self-development. Too often, people are afraid to make mistakes. They prefer to take the safe route and don’t challenge themselves to achieve more. Those at the top of their field are not afraid of mistakes. They know the importance of risking and learning from their mistakes and are able to move on to achieve greater things with the lessons their mistakes teach them.
Anne Sweeney, President, Disney/ABC Cable Networks and President, Disney Channel, agrees that mistakes are vital to career success. As she says, “I believe that if you stay in jobs where you know you cannot fail, you will never grow. Along the way, you must be prepared to take risks and make mistakes. I mean big mistakes. Mistakes that people know about. Mistakes that people may even write about. Mistakes that will make you question whether you have in fact chosen the right path. This sort of risk-taking constitutes an act of faith in yourself.”
Learn From Training Opportunities
In order to advance your career, you must also take advantage of every training opportunity, whether it’s from your company or an outside source. Why? Within most organizations, knowing various areas of the business is a prerequisite for a move into the executive ranks. You may be able to move close to the top as a specialist, but most organizations will not give you a policy- or decision-making position without knowledge of other areas of the business. This is why you must expand your knowledge base and seek out new ways to gain useful information.
When it comes to learning, Shelley Broader, Senior Vice President, Hannaford Brothers, is a pro. Throughout her climb to the top, she took advantage of every training session she could. She now advises aspiring businesspeople to do the same. “Take advantage of cross-functional learning opportunities and don’t pigeonhole yourself with a single set of skills,” she says. “I’m not practicing what I learned in college by any means, technically. Yet, I have a marketable set of skills and I can learn any tactical function. I can manage people and manage process. I can learn the tactical function that I’m managing.”
To gain hands-on learning, volunteer for new teams and task forces. Read your company’s annual report. Also, look to outside sources, such as trade journals and industry newsletters, for up-to-date market information. The more you know about your company and your industry, the higher you’ll go in your organization.
Learn Something New Today
Career advancement is possible when you make lifelong learning one of your top priorities. As you gain new knowledge and insights, you can continually evaluate the path you’ve chosen to be sure you’re on the right track. By committing yourself to be an eternal student of business, you can rise to the top of any organization.
Read Only © Copyright 2002 Debra Pestrak Used with permission of copyright holder
***********************
Debra Pestrak is an expert at helping people unleash their success, allowing people to be more productive and getting what they want out of life. She is an award-winning speaker, author, business consultant, educator and coach. Pestrak is founder and CEO of Success UNleashed, Inc.®, a company dedicated to delivering high-impact and empowering programs. Visit www.debrapestrak.com for more information on Debra and her programs.
***********************
Article courtesy of Bob ‘Idea Man’ Hooey & Ideas At Work! Visit our webiste: http://www.ideaman.net/ for more downloadable Business Enhancement Success Thinking series of articles by some of North America’s top speakers and experts. If you’ve enjoyed this article, please let the author know, and tell them you read it on http://www.ideaman.net/ Bookmark this site as we add new articles as they are received.
*********************
Bob has lots of great articles, check them out!!
Fran Watson
www.franwatson.ca
Monday, February 23, 2009
Create Your Own Economy? FInd out How!
I have some exciting news to share. (And it might shock you a
little too.)
Are you ready? Here goes -- now is actually a FANTASTIC time to
start or expand a business.
Yes, really!
And to prove it, I want to invite you to a FREE teleseminar Ali
Brown is hosting on Thursday, March 5, called "How to Create
Your OWN Strong Economy This Year... With Online Information
Marketing."
(In a hurry? Just go here:)
You may have heard of Ali. She's really shaken up the Internet
marketing world by being honest and telling it how it is. And
now she's going to do the same about the economy, the recession,
and building a business.
On this FREE one-time-only teleseminar, Ali will be sharing her
secrets on one of the best business models in the world. It's
recession-proof, allows you to control your own income, and
hundreds of men and women just like YOU are using it to add
hundreds to thousands of dollars to their bottom line each
month. It's called online information marketing and you'll be
getting a crash-course so you can start implementing
IMMEDIATELY.
On this call you'll learn:
* The 5 ways you can recession-proof your business... starting
today.
* Why the Internet is still the BEST way to build a business
FAST, and how to get started.
* 3 mistakes entrepreneurs make when taking their business
online... and how YOU can avoid them.
* How to create easy information products that can generate you
passive income while you work or play.
* How you can claim $500 OFF Ali's brand new 2009 Online Success
Blueprint System -- featuring DVDs, CDs, and more!
You'll want to sign up NOW before you forget. Here's the link again
See you on the call!
All the Best,
Fran Watson
www.franwatson.ca
======================================
P.S. - If there's one thing you should know about Ali, it's that
her teleclasses are jammed-packed with information and this one
will be no different. She's sharing important, UPDATED
information about how to use information marketing to thrive
even in a recession. You won't want to miss this teleseminar!
Here's that link one mote time.
little too.)
Are you ready? Here goes -- now is actually a FANTASTIC time to
start or expand a business.
Yes, really!
And to prove it, I want to invite you to a FREE teleseminar Ali
Brown is hosting on Thursday, March 5, called "How to Create
Your OWN Strong Economy This Year... With Online Information
Marketing."
(In a hurry? Just go here:)
You may have heard of Ali. She's really shaken up the Internet
marketing world by being honest and telling it how it is. And
now she's going to do the same about the economy, the recession,
and building a business.
On this FREE one-time-only teleseminar, Ali will be sharing her
secrets on one of the best business models in the world. It's
recession-proof, allows you to control your own income, and
hundreds of men and women just like YOU are using it to add
hundreds to thousands of dollars to their bottom line each
month. It's called online information marketing and you'll be
getting a crash-course so you can start implementing
IMMEDIATELY.
On this call you'll learn:
* The 5 ways you can recession-proof your business... starting
today.
* Why the Internet is still the BEST way to build a business
FAST, and how to get started.
* 3 mistakes entrepreneurs make when taking their business
online... and how YOU can avoid them.
* How to create easy information products that can generate you
passive income while you work or play.
* How you can claim $500 OFF Ali's brand new 2009 Online Success
Blueprint System -- featuring DVDs, CDs, and more!
You'll want to sign up NOW before you forget. Here's the link again
See you on the call!
All the Best,
Fran Watson
www.franwatson.ca
======================================
P.S. - If there's one thing you should know about Ali, it's that
her teleclasses are jammed-packed with information and this one
will be no different. She's sharing important, UPDATED
information about how to use information marketing to thrive
even in a recession. You won't want to miss this teleseminar!
Here's that link one mote time.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Are you Good Enough... or Better?
When we were in school, 50% was a pass and often many of us were content to just do enough to pass. many of us have carried this mentality on into our working lives. We do just enough to get by each day, to produce the minimum that we can get away with. If we make mistakes, we figure that someone else will pick up the slack. We never really think about what happens beyond our own doors. We forget that "no man is an island" and that every stone thrwon into a pond causes a ripple effect that affects everything around it.
You are the stone, you are cast into the waters and what you do affects everyone around you. What kind of an effort are you making in your job today. Are you content to be "just good enough", or are you striving to be better?
Consider the following:
If 99.9% is good enough, then...
12 newborns will be given to the wrong parents daily.
114,500 mismatched pairs of shoes will be shipped each year.
18,322 pieces of mail will be mishandled per hour.
2,000,000 documes will be lost by the IRS/Revenue Canada this year.
2.5 million books will be shipped with the wrong covers.
Two planes landing at Chicago's O'Hare airport will be unsafe every day.
315 entries in Webster's dictionary will be misspelled.
20,000 incorrect drug prescriptions will be written this year.
880,000 credit cards in circulation will turn out to have incorrect cardholder information on their magnetic strips.
103,260 income tax returns will be processed incorrectly during the year.
5.5 million cases of soft drinks produced will be flat.
291 pacemaker operations will be performed incorrectly.
3,056 copies of tomorrow's Wall Street Journal will be missing one of the three sections.
Think about the above as you go to work this week. Be the best you can be and do the best you can do. GIve all your effort to your work while you are at work, and all your effort to your family life when you are at home.
Have a wonderful year!
Fran Watson
You are the stone, you are cast into the waters and what you do affects everyone around you. What kind of an effort are you making in your job today. Are you content to be "just good enough", or are you striving to be better?
Consider the following:
If 99.9% is good enough, then...
12 newborns will be given to the wrong parents daily.
114,500 mismatched pairs of shoes will be shipped each year.
18,322 pieces of mail will be mishandled per hour.
2,000,000 documes will be lost by the IRS/Revenue Canada this year.
2.5 million books will be shipped with the wrong covers.
Two planes landing at Chicago's O'Hare airport will be unsafe every day.
315 entries in Webster's dictionary will be misspelled.
20,000 incorrect drug prescriptions will be written this year.
880,000 credit cards in circulation will turn out to have incorrect cardholder information on their magnetic strips.
103,260 income tax returns will be processed incorrectly during the year.
5.5 million cases of soft drinks produced will be flat.
291 pacemaker operations will be performed incorrectly.
3,056 copies of tomorrow's Wall Street Journal will be missing one of the three sections.
Think about the above as you go to work this week. Be the best you can be and do the best you can do. GIve all your effort to your work while you are at work, and all your effort to your family life when you are at home.
Have a wonderful year!
Fran Watson
Monday, October 20, 2008
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
*****************************************
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
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Saturday, August 09, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Something to Remember while Job Searching
Our behaviour and our degree of happiness equate to our self-image.
A poor self-image is the cause of most people's failure to reach their potential.
Don't compare yourself to others. Recognize your own strengths.
Pay attention to the things you do well without thinking about them. Listen when other people tell you what a great job you are doing. Most of us have skills we don't recognize.
Remember - if you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got. Unless you move from the place where you are, you will always be there.
Here's to moving on to better things!
Fran
A poor self-image is the cause of most people's failure to reach their potential.
Don't compare yourself to others. Recognize your own strengths.
Pay attention to the things you do well without thinking about them. Listen when other people tell you what a great job you are doing. Most of us have skills we don't recognize.
Remember - if you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got. Unless you move from the place where you are, you will always be there.
Here's to moving on to better things!
Fran
Monday, May 19, 2008
Improve Your Results
Although this talks about the year 2007, this information is never outdated!
Seven Ways to Improve Your Professional Results
While success certainly does not come from a checklist, we all can use checklists to remind ourselves of ways we can achieve more. And who doesn’t want to ‘resolve’ to achieve more, especially this time of year?
As you are looking forward and thinking about how you can make year-end 2007 even better than year-end 2006, here are seven specific tactics that address seven specific areas of our professional lives. Each of these tactics, when applied, can have a massive, positive impact on your professional happiness, satisfaction and success.
The Seven Ways
1. Create more energy in your life. The starting point for greater results is greater energy. Greater energy will allow you to be more productive and is required to apply any of the other tactics on this list. Coincidentally, energy often is cited as a major reason why people don't make positive change in their professional life as well. Three simple suggestions will get you on the path to greater energy:
eat better – consume healthier, more natural foods in smaller quantities;
exercise more – build your stamina and strength; and
sleep smarter – develop a “sleep routine” to ensure you get enough sleep to be alert and positive each day.
2. Commit to better working relationships. While we are typically hired for, or select our work based on, our technical competence, more often our success is defined by our interpersonal skills. Make the commitment to improving your working relationships. A quick reflection on your strengths and white spots in his area will reveal where you need to start. Improving your working relationships doesn't mean finding a best friend at work (although there's nothing wrong with that), but it does mean building relationships that create greater communication, connection and support.
3. Project a contagious, positive attitude. A positive attitude is contagious! (So is the alternative.) Ask yourself which attitude you want to promote in your workplace. Making the choice to be more positive, supportive and enthusiastic will make a huge difference in your productivity and will positively impact the productivity of those around you too.
4. Talk less, listen more. Nearly everyone will benefit professionally by this advice. Talking less and listening more will improve communication with customers, colleagues and everyone else. The value of this tactic cannot be overestimated.
5. Mentor someone. Make the time to help and support someone else on their professional development path. It might be someone in your department or in your organization, or someone external. In any case, you will be helping another person succeed by benefiting from your experience. At the same time, you will benefit greatly from the experience as well. The process of mentoring someone else will help you reflect on your own advice and help you reinforce those techniques and approaches within your own work as well.
6. Keep a journal. A journal is an amazing learning tool! It can be electronic, in your day planner, on a steno pad, in a dedicated book of your choice, or anywhere else you choose. Where you journal is less important than that you journal. Use your journal to jot down key ideas to refresh your memory, new ideas you want to capture, lists of the books you want to read, a list of the books you have read, a list of your goals – you get the idea. A journal is a tool for reflection and forward thinking that can become one of the most valuable development habits you'll ever create.
7. Set a big goal. Simply setting a goal would be a good tactic, but setting a big goal is a better tactic. Your goal can be related to one of the areas above, it can be about other skill development, or it could be related to a promotion. Your goal could be a financial one, or it could be something totally unrelated. Whatever it is, setting it provides you greater focus and raises your intention for success. But make it big. Stretch yourself beyond where you think you ‘should’ be to believe something big is worthy of your plans and then do it!
Reflecting on the Seven Ways
I brainstormed a list of far more than seven tactics before I pared it back to this final seven. My observation of the longer list, and of this final list, is that two themes prevail: relationships and learning.
Even if you forget my specific tactics, please remember that taking steps to build your working relationships and to be a continual learner will always result in significant and satisfying professional (and personal) development.
Here are two more observations about the seven tactics I’ve suggested – none of them have to cost any money, and all of them can be implemented right now, by making a choice to do so.
This should leave nothing in your way – there is no cost, no equipment or technology to acquire, and no specialized skills to master. The only thing these tactics require is your decision to implement them.
And there will never be a better time than right now.
A Bonus Tactic
Looking for one more way to improve your professional results in 2007? Hire us! Our consulting and training services can help you, your team, and your organization improve your results in a variety of ways. While the specific content will vary, our approaches will always be consistent with the messages in this article – we will help you improve your interpersonal skills and relationships and our work will always be connected to learning.
From this newsletter to books to learning products and services to consulting and training, there are many ways we can help you, and we look forward to learning with you in 2007.
For information on reprinting any of this information included in this issue of Unleash Your Potential, go to: http://kevineikenberry.com/uypw/reprints.asp
© 2006 The Kevin Eikenberry Group – All Rights Reserved
The Kevin Eikenberry Group
http://www.kevineikenberry.com
7035 Bluffridge Way
Indianapolis, IN 46278
Seven Ways to Improve Your Professional Results
While success certainly does not come from a checklist, we all can use checklists to remind ourselves of ways we can achieve more. And who doesn’t want to ‘resolve’ to achieve more, especially this time of year?
As you are looking forward and thinking about how you can make year-end 2007 even better than year-end 2006, here are seven specific tactics that address seven specific areas of our professional lives. Each of these tactics, when applied, can have a massive, positive impact on your professional happiness, satisfaction and success.
The Seven Ways
1. Create more energy in your life. The starting point for greater results is greater energy. Greater energy will allow you to be more productive and is required to apply any of the other tactics on this list. Coincidentally, energy often is cited as a major reason why people don't make positive change in their professional life as well. Three simple suggestions will get you on the path to greater energy:
eat better – consume healthier, more natural foods in smaller quantities;
exercise more – build your stamina and strength; and
sleep smarter – develop a “sleep routine” to ensure you get enough sleep to be alert and positive each day.
2. Commit to better working relationships. While we are typically hired for, or select our work based on, our technical competence, more often our success is defined by our interpersonal skills. Make the commitment to improving your working relationships. A quick reflection on your strengths and white spots in his area will reveal where you need to start. Improving your working relationships doesn't mean finding a best friend at work (although there's nothing wrong with that), but it does mean building relationships that create greater communication, connection and support.
3. Project a contagious, positive attitude. A positive attitude is contagious! (So is the alternative.) Ask yourself which attitude you want to promote in your workplace. Making the choice to be more positive, supportive and enthusiastic will make a huge difference in your productivity and will positively impact the productivity of those around you too.
4. Talk less, listen more. Nearly everyone will benefit professionally by this advice. Talking less and listening more will improve communication with customers, colleagues and everyone else. The value of this tactic cannot be overestimated.
5. Mentor someone. Make the time to help and support someone else on their professional development path. It might be someone in your department or in your organization, or someone external. In any case, you will be helping another person succeed by benefiting from your experience. At the same time, you will benefit greatly from the experience as well. The process of mentoring someone else will help you reflect on your own advice and help you reinforce those techniques and approaches within your own work as well.
6. Keep a journal. A journal is an amazing learning tool! It can be electronic, in your day planner, on a steno pad, in a dedicated book of your choice, or anywhere else you choose. Where you journal is less important than that you journal. Use your journal to jot down key ideas to refresh your memory, new ideas you want to capture, lists of the books you want to read, a list of the books you have read, a list of your goals – you get the idea. A journal is a tool for reflection and forward thinking that can become one of the most valuable development habits you'll ever create.
7. Set a big goal. Simply setting a goal would be a good tactic, but setting a big goal is a better tactic. Your goal can be related to one of the areas above, it can be about other skill development, or it could be related to a promotion. Your goal could be a financial one, or it could be something totally unrelated. Whatever it is, setting it provides you greater focus and raises your intention for success. But make it big. Stretch yourself beyond where you think you ‘should’ be to believe something big is worthy of your plans and then do it!
Reflecting on the Seven Ways
I brainstormed a list of far more than seven tactics before I pared it back to this final seven. My observation of the longer list, and of this final list, is that two themes prevail: relationships and learning.
Even if you forget my specific tactics, please remember that taking steps to build your working relationships and to be a continual learner will always result in significant and satisfying professional (and personal) development.
Here are two more observations about the seven tactics I’ve suggested – none of them have to cost any money, and all of them can be implemented right now, by making a choice to do so.
This should leave nothing in your way – there is no cost, no equipment or technology to acquire, and no specialized skills to master. The only thing these tactics require is your decision to implement them.
And there will never be a better time than right now.
A Bonus Tactic
Looking for one more way to improve your professional results in 2007? Hire us! Our consulting and training services can help you, your team, and your organization improve your results in a variety of ways. While the specific content will vary, our approaches will always be consistent with the messages in this article – we will help you improve your interpersonal skills and relationships and our work will always be connected to learning.
From this newsletter to books to learning products and services to consulting and training, there are many ways we can help you, and we look forward to learning with you in 2007.
For information on reprinting any of this information included in this issue of Unleash Your Potential, go to: http://kevineikenberry.com/uypw/reprints.asp
© 2006 The Kevin Eikenberry Group – All Rights Reserved
The Kevin Eikenberry Group
http://www.kevineikenberry.com
7035 Bluffridge Way
Indianapolis, IN 46278
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
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. 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?
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?
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?
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?
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
Your Career Goals
Your Work Experience
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.
It's A Matter of Attitude
Some jobs can be very relaxed and some jobs can be very stressful, and sometimes your attitude is what can make the difference in whether you are content or discontent.
Our workplace, like many others, is going through some significant changes which have thrown the workers into a bit of a downturn with regard to morale. I have been one of those who has suffered some significant psychological distress over the situation, however this morning I remembered that the only one who can change my attitude is me.
I was thinking about a story that Zig Ziglar tells of a woman who hated everything about her job until he started asking her some questions such as, “Do you like getting a paycheck?” “Are you well paid for what you do?” and other questions which helped her to realize some of the benefits she had in her job. Now, some of the benefits that I had in my job have now disappeared and been replaced with tasks that must be performed, but I can either accept this and reduce my anxiety, or fight against it and suffer from increased blood pressure and more medication. My choice, which will it be???
What would you do??
Fran Watson
P.S. Looking for a job?
Our workplace, like many others, is going through some significant changes which have thrown the workers into a bit of a downturn with regard to morale. I have been one of those who has suffered some significant psychological distress over the situation, however this morning I remembered that the only one who can change my attitude is me.
I was thinking about a story that Zig Ziglar tells of a woman who hated everything about her job until he started asking her some questions such as, “Do you like getting a paycheck?” “Are you well paid for what you do?” and other questions which helped her to realize some of the benefits she had in her job. Now, some of the benefits that I had in my job have now disappeared and been replaced with tasks that must be performed, but I can either accept this and reduce my anxiety, or fight against it and suffer from increased blood pressure and more medication. My choice, which will it be???
What would you do??
Fran Watson
P.S. Looking for a job?
Personal Development
To attract attractive people, you must be attractive. To attract powerful people, you must be powerful. To attract committed people, you must be committed. Instead of going to work on them, you go to work on yourself. If you become, you can attract.
We can have more than we've got because we can become more than we are.
The big challenge is to become all that you have the possibility of becoming. You cannot believe what it does to the human spirit to maximize your human potential and stretch yourself to the limit.
Pity the man who inherits a million dollars and who isn't a millionaire. Here's what would be pitiful: If your income grew and you didn't.
The most important question to ask on the job is not "What am I getting?" The most important question to ask on the job is "What am I becoming?"
It is hard to keep that which has not been obtained through personal development.
After you become a millionaire, you can give all of your money away because what's important is not the million dollars; what's important is the person you have become in the process of becoming a millionaire.
Income seldom exceeds personal development.
What you become directly influences what you get.
Credit Statement to be included in Reprints:
These quotes are by Jim Rohn, America's Foremost Business Philosopher. To subscribe to the Free Jim Rohn Weekly E-zine, go to www.jimrohn.com or send a blank email to subscribe@jimrohn.com Excerpted from The Treasury of Quotes by Jim Rohn. Copyright © 1994-2005 Jim Rohn International. All rights reserved worldwide.
We can have more than we've got because we can become more than we are.
The big challenge is to become all that you have the possibility of becoming. You cannot believe what it does to the human spirit to maximize your human potential and stretch yourself to the limit.
Pity the man who inherits a million dollars and who isn't a millionaire. Here's what would be pitiful: If your income grew and you didn't.
The most important question to ask on the job is not "What am I getting?" The most important question to ask on the job is "What am I becoming?"
It is hard to keep that which has not been obtained through personal development.
After you become a millionaire, you can give all of your money away because what's important is not the million dollars; what's important is the person you have become in the process of becoming a millionaire.
Income seldom exceeds personal development.
What you become directly influences what you get.
Credit Statement to be included in Reprints:
These quotes are by Jim Rohn, America's Foremost Business Philosopher. To subscribe to the Free Jim Rohn Weekly E-zine, go to www.jimrohn.com or send a blank email to subscribe@jimrohn.com Excerpted from The Treasury of Quotes by Jim Rohn. Copyright © 1994-2005 Jim Rohn International. All rights reserved worldwide.
Friday, October 26, 2007
What Are Your Essential Skills??
What are Essential Skills? They are the skills needed for work, learning and life. They provide the foundation for learning all other skills and enable people to evolve with their jobs and adapt to workplace change. Through extensive research, the Government of Canada and other national and international agencies have identified and validated nine Essential Skills used in nearly every occupation and throughout your daily life.
These skills enhance your ability to deal with change and they provide stepping stones for personal and professional growth. They may help to reduce the transition time between jobs. Do you want to know more about them? Then read on.
Essential Skills are the skills people use to carry out a wide variety of everyday life and work tasks. They are not the technical skills required by particular occupations but rather the skills applied in all occupations. For example, writing skills are required in a broad range of occupations.
The complexity and frequency of writing varies, of course. Some workers fill out simple forms every day, while others write daily or monthly reports.
Essential Skills are enabling skills that:
1. Help people perform the tasks required by their occupation and other activities of daily life.
2. Provide people with a foundation to learn other skills.
3. Enhance people’s ability to adapt to change.
There are 9 essential skills: Reading Text, Numeracy, Thinking Skills, Working with Others, Continuous Learning, Oral Communication, Document Use, Writing and Computer Use.
People who have the essential skills at the levels required for their desired occupations will have enhanced employability.
To learn more about Essential Skills and how they relate to Canadian occupations you can visit the website . You can also find out more information and do a test at www.towes.com.
These Essential Skills relate to jobs all over the world, not just Canadians, so check them out.
Fran Watson
P.S. Looking for a Work At Home Opportunity??
These skills enhance your ability to deal with change and they provide stepping stones for personal and professional growth. They may help to reduce the transition time between jobs. Do you want to know more about them? Then read on.
Essential Skills are the skills people use to carry out a wide variety of everyday life and work tasks. They are not the technical skills required by particular occupations but rather the skills applied in all occupations. For example, writing skills are required in a broad range of occupations.
The complexity and frequency of writing varies, of course. Some workers fill out simple forms every day, while others write daily or monthly reports.
Essential Skills are enabling skills that:
1. Help people perform the tasks required by their occupation and other activities of daily life.
2. Provide people with a foundation to learn other skills.
3. Enhance people’s ability to adapt to change.
There are 9 essential skills: Reading Text, Numeracy, Thinking Skills, Working with Others, Continuous Learning, Oral Communication, Document Use, Writing and Computer Use.
People who have the essential skills at the levels required for their desired occupations will have enhanced employability.
To learn more about Essential Skills and how they relate to Canadian occupations you can visit the website . You can also find out more information and do a test at www.towes.com.
These Essential Skills relate to jobs all over the world, not just Canadians, so check them out.
Fran Watson
P.S. Looking for a Work At Home Opportunity??
Friday, October 05, 2007
Positive Attitude
These days, getting and keeping the work you want is not as easy as it has been in the past. Downsizing and cost-cutting have resulted in more people searching for work. As a result, it’s more important than ever to develop your positives. Whether you’re searching for work or hoping to hold on to your job, your positive attitudes, beliefs and skills can give you a competitive edge. Attitudes are ways of responding to the world around us. We develop our attitudes based on what we learn and what we experience. Attitudes affect the way we think, act and feel. Positive attitudes can make the difference between success and failure.
If you’re currently searching for work, you might want to take some time to examine your beliefs and attitudes about work search. Positive beliefs can energize you for the hard work of searching for work. Positive attitudes can make all the difference in a job interview. Positive beliefs, values and attitudes can help you increase:
* your effectiveness
* your value to the organization you work for
* the likelihood you’ll keep your work situation
* your satisfaction and success.
Don’t be misled by people telling you “there aren’t any jobs”, or by the fact that there aren’t a lot of jobs advertised. Over 80% of jobs are not advertised. Keep a positive attitude towards your job search and target an employer you would like to work for. If you require assistance with your job search skills, you can contact a local employment service agency or check out your local library for resource books.
Planning your career goals is an important part of creating a positive work situation. If you’re unhappy in your present situation, your career goals will help you decide on your next step. Even if you’re happy with your current work, it’s a good idea to create some career goals. Your work situation might change or your needs might change. And of course, if you’re searching for work, your career goals will help you to focus your search.
When considering your career goals, you may need to consider learning opportunities. Learning, more than ever before, is for life. The world is changing so fast, that in order to stay current, one must keep learning. The information available worldwide doubles every few years, technology is part of virtually every workplace, and employers value knowledgeable employees who can work “smart”. Successful learners have positive beliefs and attitudes towards learning. Knowledge is power.
Learning does not have to take place in a classroom. There are a number of ways to learn:
* at work
* on your own
* from mentors and role models
* from co-workers and friends
* through magazines, journals, books and newspapers
* on the internet
* by volunteering
* by teaching others what you know
* through seminars, workshops and courses
* by attending classes at an educational institution
For assistance in determining your career and learning goals, contact a local employment agency and arrange to take some tests or personal inventories.
Need help? Contact me.
Fran
Job Tips
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 or class at your local school.
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.
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.
If you need help with your job search, contact me.
Fran
Why do people work?
Why do People Work? Many people would say, “For the money”, but is that the only reason???
Good luck
Fran
We cannot possibly do everything for ourselves, so we need other people to do things for us, and then pay them for their work. In order to do that, we must also do things for other people so that we can earn money. Therefore, you might say that “for the money” would be true. But what about personal satisfaction??? Would you do ANY job if it paid well enough? Or are there some jobs which you wouldn’t do, despite the salary.
The things which you value like income, location, and free time can play an important part in your career choice. Other values might include: friendship, enjoyment, loyalty, family, independence, leadership, achievement, self-realization, expertness, service, prestige, security and power.
Some jobs provide an opportunity for expressing what we believe and value, while other occupations may go against our values. A job which supports your value system will interest and motivate you far more than a job which goes against your values, despite the monetary rewards.
Many people choose careers that do not pay very well because they enjoy the work and get satisfaction from doing the job or perhaps because it allows them to be close to home and family.
Some people choose to work in an area they are good at or because they have discovered that they have the skills needed for that particular position. Still others may choose to work at a job which provides enough money to pay for extra curricular activities or luxuries, such as a boat or skidoo or yearly vacations to distant locations,.
Look at the following list of “rewards” that people might get from work and see what your priorities might be.
WORK:
* lets me use my special abilities, skills and knowledge
*makes me feel that I’m doing something useful
*keeps me busy and helps fill in time
*lets me be creative
*involves doing a variety of tasks
*allows me to meet a lot of people
*lets me experience new things and learn more
*lets me see something for my efforts
*allows me to be responsible
*gives me power/influence over others
*provides opportunities to make friends
*lets me help people
*provides money
*allows me to be with others
*provides physical activity for me
*allows me to contribute to the community
*lets me control my own time
*allows me to satisfy my other needs
*offers me chances for improvement and/or promotion
*allows me to be known and liked by many people
Take a look at your current job and see if it fits your value system. If not, consider what changes you might need to make. If you are not working and you would like some help to choose the career that best suits your values or lifestyle, contact me.
Good luck
Fran
Thursday, February 23, 2006
The 5 Ps of a Job Search
Step One - Plan:
Most people spend more time planning a one to two week vacation than they do planning their lifetime career. When planning for a vacation, you look at where you want to go, what your reason is for wanting to go to that particular place, how long it will take to get there, whether or not you want to take any side trips, what type of budget you will need, and what type of clothes you will need to take. You may also speak with people who have been there to find out a little more about the destination and activities or do some research on the internet or at the library or a travel agency.
It is important to do the same type of planning for a career. You need to take a look at where you want to go and how you are going to get there. You will need to look at: whether or not you need post-secondary education or some type of training. How long will it take you to get the skills you need? What is the best way to get these skills? What kind of money do you require for the life style you want? Think about whether or not you know anyone who is currently working in this field or if you know anyone who knows anyone working in this field. Where else can you go to find out more information?
If you are still in school, speak to a guidance counsellor and ask for information. You can also do informational interviews with people working in the field you are interested in. Another option is speaking with a career counsellor or doing some career tests.
If you are out of school, contact an employment agency to speak with a counsellor or do some personal research at the library as well as networking and making good use of your contacts.
Step Two - Prepare:
Preparing for your job search involves doing a thorough personal inventory to determine your transferable and adaptive skills. Learning more about your skills prepares you so that you will be able to tell an employer the skills you have that match the job that you would like to have. This takes time. It may involve completing a questionnaire or sitting and writing down all the things you have done over the years. This is not simply listing your job description, as most people do more than what is listed on the job description, it also involves activities that you do at home.
Most of us take our skills for granted. We are so used to doing certain tasks that we do not recognize that not everyone can do what we are doing. We also do not always recognize the skills we are using in our daily activities - problem solving, decision making, driving, fixing appliances, preparing food, personal counseling. People may express amazement or be impressed by something that we take for granted. Listen to what they are saying. This is a strong skill for you and may be developed into a career goal.
Once you have reviewed your skills, you can work on developing a 30-second summary of these skills, also known as an "elevator speech", which can be used during a telephone contact, in your cover letter, in an interview, or when talking to friends about your job search.
Preparing also means doing research on companies you might like to work for. This research may be done at the library, through personal contact, informational interviews, reading newspaper articles, or an informal visit or tour.
The development of a targeted resume is another crucial step. A targeted resume is one which highlights specific skills to demonstrate your suitability to an employer. It provides details of your work experiences which match the skills they might require. A cover letter should also be prepared for a targeted employer.
Another part of preparation is reviewing potential interview questions and determining the type of information you want to provide or you may be expected to provide to an employer. Following this, you need to practice speaking about yourself in order to be comfortable in presenting yourself to an employer.
People often think about getting a resume prepared, and maybe a cover letter in response to a job ad, but then they forget about preparing for the interview. Although a good resume and cover letter can get you in the door, the interview is what gets you the job.
Step Three - Practice:
Practice!! How many people would step on the ice in an NHL game without having practiced? How many people would step on stage to sing or act without several rehearsals? How many Olympic athletes would compete without any preparation? Very few, if any - and yet, when we fail to practice our interview techniques, it is comparable to doing one of the above.
Practicing can take place with a friend, family member or a counsellor. There are many books available that provide sample questions and sample answers. Feedback on your interview skills may involve peers, general comments, and/or videotape. Here are some sample questions for you to use:
·Tell me about yourself.
·What do you look for in a job?
·How long would it take for you to make a meaningful contribution?
·Why are you looking for a new career?
·How would your boss describe you?
·How would your colleagues describe you?
·What were the five most significant accomplishments in your last position?
·What are your strong points?·What are your weak points?
A videotape is an excellent way for you to see yourself as an employer would see you. You can dress as you would for an interview and have someone you know act as the interviewer. You will then be able to notice how you handle yourself, how you sit, and how you respond to questions. For instance, did you give enough information or too much information. You can also note if you have any habits you are unaware of. This will help you become comfortable in presenting your skills to an employer.
When you think of the years of training it takes a hockey player to reach the skill level of an NHL player, or the years a ballerina spends in practicing before she performs at the NAC, a few hours of practicing your interview/presentation techniques isn't asking too much.
Step Four - Perform:
Think of your interview as a performance. You must prepare for it (research the employer, practice interview questions), dress appropriately (dress for the job you are applying for), and have the proper equipment (copy of resume, references, portfolio, and pen) to show that you are ready to do the job.
The first two to three minutes of your interview are the most important. An employer usually makes a decision based on your appearance and your opening presentation. It is important that you make the most of these precious minutes.
A smile is a big part of your wardrobe. If smiling doesn't come naturally to you, practice in front of a mirror until it feels comfortable. Ensure that your body language doesn't send the wrong message. Don't cross your arms across your chest, or keep checking the clock. Check your appearance, both standing and seated, in a mirror. It is important to try to relax, but do not slouch in your chair. Don't chew gum during your interview, and if you are a smoker, try to have your last cigarette at least 10 minutes before your interview and freshen your breath with a breath mint.
Another important point is to never say anything negative about your previous employer. It may make the employer wonder what you would say about them, and you never know who is related to whom.
Make sure that you have some questions to ask the employer. Not "how much money will I make and how long do I get for vacation?", but questions that show you have researched the employer and have some knowledge of their company. Make a list of potential questions to ask. If the interviewer has been very thorough and you can't think of any questions, at least find out when they will be making a decision and ask if it is ok to follow up.
Here are some sample questions you can ask:
Why is this position open?
What are some of the more difficult problems one would have to face in this position?
What significant changes do you forsee in the near future?
What are some of the objectives you would like to see accomplished in this job?
What are some of the long-term objectives you would like to see completed?
How is one evaluated in this position?
What accounts for success within the company?
Step Five - Post-Mortem:
Once your interview is over, review it in your mind. Was there anything you should have said that you didn't, or anything that you said that you shouldn't have? Make a mental note, or write down how you felt about the interview. By reviewing your interview, you can prepare for the next one.
Once you get home, it's time to prepare a thank you letter. In this letter you thank the interviewer(s) for their time and the opportunity to find out more about the company. Express appreciation for the way they handled the interview, the information provided, etc., as well as expressing your desire to work for the company. If there was anything you forgot to tell them about your skills during the interview, or any information you said you would provide them with, now is your opportunity to do so.
Don't forget to follow up one to two weeks after your interview to indicate that you are still interested in being considered for the position and to check on whether or not a decision has been made. If they have hired, and you are not the successful candidate, ask permission to call back in case there are any other openings in the future and let them know that you would like to be considered.
Remember that you usually have to go through about 200 "no's" before you get to a "yes". Try to keep positive about your job search by sticking with a routine and talking with as many people as possible about looking for work. Let everyone know that you are currently unemployed and tell them the type of work you are looking for. Attend workshops on Job Search or consider joining a Job Finding Club for extra support during your job search
Good luck!!
Fran Watson
Most people spend more time planning a one to two week vacation than they do planning their lifetime career. When planning for a vacation, you look at where you want to go, what your reason is for wanting to go to that particular place, how long it will take to get there, whether or not you want to take any side trips, what type of budget you will need, and what type of clothes you will need to take. You may also speak with people who have been there to find out a little more about the destination and activities or do some research on the internet or at the library or a travel agency.
It is important to do the same type of planning for a career. You need to take a look at where you want to go and how you are going to get there. You will need to look at: whether or not you need post-secondary education or some type of training. How long will it take you to get the skills you need? What is the best way to get these skills? What kind of money do you require for the life style you want? Think about whether or not you know anyone who is currently working in this field or if you know anyone who knows anyone working in this field. Where else can you go to find out more information?
If you are still in school, speak to a guidance counsellor and ask for information. You can also do informational interviews with people working in the field you are interested in. Another option is speaking with a career counsellor or doing some career tests.
If you are out of school, contact an employment agency to speak with a counsellor or do some personal research at the library as well as networking and making good use of your contacts.
Step Two - Prepare:
Preparing for your job search involves doing a thorough personal inventory to determine your transferable and adaptive skills. Learning more about your skills prepares you so that you will be able to tell an employer the skills you have that match the job that you would like to have. This takes time. It may involve completing a questionnaire or sitting and writing down all the things you have done over the years. This is not simply listing your job description, as most people do more than what is listed on the job description, it also involves activities that you do at home.
Most of us take our skills for granted. We are so used to doing certain tasks that we do not recognize that not everyone can do what we are doing. We also do not always recognize the skills we are using in our daily activities - problem solving, decision making, driving, fixing appliances, preparing food, personal counseling. People may express amazement or be impressed by something that we take for granted. Listen to what they are saying. This is a strong skill for you and may be developed into a career goal.
Once you have reviewed your skills, you can work on developing a 30-second summary of these skills, also known as an "elevator speech", which can be used during a telephone contact, in your cover letter, in an interview, or when talking to friends about your job search.
Preparing also means doing research on companies you might like to work for. This research may be done at the library, through personal contact, informational interviews, reading newspaper articles, or an informal visit or tour.
The development of a targeted resume is another crucial step. A targeted resume is one which highlights specific skills to demonstrate your suitability to an employer. It provides details of your work experiences which match the skills they might require. A cover letter should also be prepared for a targeted employer.
Another part of preparation is reviewing potential interview questions and determining the type of information you want to provide or you may be expected to provide to an employer. Following this, you need to practice speaking about yourself in order to be comfortable in presenting yourself to an employer.
People often think about getting a resume prepared, and maybe a cover letter in response to a job ad, but then they forget about preparing for the interview. Although a good resume and cover letter can get you in the door, the interview is what gets you the job.
Step Three - Practice:
Practice!! How many people would step on the ice in an NHL game without having practiced? How many people would step on stage to sing or act without several rehearsals? How many Olympic athletes would compete without any preparation? Very few, if any - and yet, when we fail to practice our interview techniques, it is comparable to doing one of the above.
Practicing can take place with a friend, family member or a counsellor. There are many books available that provide sample questions and sample answers. Feedback on your interview skills may involve peers, general comments, and/or videotape. Here are some sample questions for you to use:
·Tell me about yourself.
·What do you look for in a job?
·How long would it take for you to make a meaningful contribution?
·Why are you looking for a new career?
·How would your boss describe you?
·How would your colleagues describe you?
·What were the five most significant accomplishments in your last position?
·What are your strong points?·What are your weak points?
A videotape is an excellent way for you to see yourself as an employer would see you. You can dress as you would for an interview and have someone you know act as the interviewer. You will then be able to notice how you handle yourself, how you sit, and how you respond to questions. For instance, did you give enough information or too much information. You can also note if you have any habits you are unaware of. This will help you become comfortable in presenting your skills to an employer.
When you think of the years of training it takes a hockey player to reach the skill level of an NHL player, or the years a ballerina spends in practicing before she performs at the NAC, a few hours of practicing your interview/presentation techniques isn't asking too much.
Step Four - Perform:
Think of your interview as a performance. You must prepare for it (research the employer, practice interview questions), dress appropriately (dress for the job you are applying for), and have the proper equipment (copy of resume, references, portfolio, and pen) to show that you are ready to do the job.
The first two to three minutes of your interview are the most important. An employer usually makes a decision based on your appearance and your opening presentation. It is important that you make the most of these precious minutes.
A smile is a big part of your wardrobe. If smiling doesn't come naturally to you, practice in front of a mirror until it feels comfortable. Ensure that your body language doesn't send the wrong message. Don't cross your arms across your chest, or keep checking the clock. Check your appearance, both standing and seated, in a mirror. It is important to try to relax, but do not slouch in your chair. Don't chew gum during your interview, and if you are a smoker, try to have your last cigarette at least 10 minutes before your interview and freshen your breath with a breath mint.
Another important point is to never say anything negative about your previous employer. It may make the employer wonder what you would say about them, and you never know who is related to whom.
Make sure that you have some questions to ask the employer. Not "how much money will I make and how long do I get for vacation?", but questions that show you have researched the employer and have some knowledge of their company. Make a list of potential questions to ask. If the interviewer has been very thorough and you can't think of any questions, at least find out when they will be making a decision and ask if it is ok to follow up.
Here are some sample questions you can ask:
Why is this position open?
What are some of the more difficult problems one would have to face in this position?
What significant changes do you forsee in the near future?
What are some of the objectives you would like to see accomplished in this job?
What are some of the long-term objectives you would like to see completed?
How is one evaluated in this position?
What accounts for success within the company?
Step Five - Post-Mortem:
Once your interview is over, review it in your mind. Was there anything you should have said that you didn't, or anything that you said that you shouldn't have? Make a mental note, or write down how you felt about the interview. By reviewing your interview, you can prepare for the next one.
Once you get home, it's time to prepare a thank you letter. In this letter you thank the interviewer(s) for their time and the opportunity to find out more about the company. Express appreciation for the way they handled the interview, the information provided, etc., as well as expressing your desire to work for the company. If there was anything you forgot to tell them about your skills during the interview, or any information you said you would provide them with, now is your opportunity to do so.
Don't forget to follow up one to two weeks after your interview to indicate that you are still interested in being considered for the position and to check on whether or not a decision has been made. If they have hired, and you are not the successful candidate, ask permission to call back in case there are any other openings in the future and let them know that you would like to be considered.
Remember that you usually have to go through about 200 "no's" before you get to a "yes". Try to keep positive about your job search by sticking with a routine and talking with as many people as possible about looking for work. Let everyone know that you are currently unemployed and tell them the type of work you are looking for. Attend workshops on Job Search or consider joining a Job Finding Club for extra support during your job search
Good luck!!
Fran Watson
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