Palm Beach Jobing Community Blogs

I have done numerous workshops in our community and most recently, I did a Dress for Success, Resume and Interview Tips workshop for the Hollywood Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees)!

There were many people there from the community, including job seekers like yourself!

I was able to talk about how you need to have a professional resume and be able to present yourself in the best possible way in the interview process by being prepared. Another tip was to Dress for Success! We had Dillard's from Galleria Mall "in the house" to show us the latest business fashions.

Today, I became a fan of SYMS, just like Dillard's and I noticed this article they had published on their fan page. Lot os of information on Dressing for Success, so I thought I would share.

I would like to add that I know we live in Florida, but, we are too casual! I think we should all step it up to look more polished. I think it is appropriate and professional to wear pantyhose in an interview and most times when wearing a skirt or dress. (this is for women). There are many other things...put it this way... if you have to ask, should I take this out or maybe I should cut my hair, etc...chances are you should do it. So anyway, read on, and I hope you enjoy!

The Problem: In today's world, where casual dress is the rule and where too many people's sense of casual has crossed the line into slovenly, many people, especially young people, show up for white-collar job interviews dressed in a highly unprofessional fashion. ---- you see I told you!

The Experts: Here fashion expert Roger McKenzie and executive interview coach Trisha Scudder offer their views.
Both are based in NYC and are consultants to SYMS, a leading discount retailer of brand-name clothing, especially business attire, in and around NYC.

QUESTION: What rules of thumb do you offer regarding dressing for interviews for white-collar positions? In particular, what do you tell women, who do not have a business "uniform" as well-defined as a man's conservative dark suit, white shirt and tie? Indeed, many women show up at interviews dressed in too flashy or revealing a manner.

ROGER'S ANSWER: Since women have many more options in their fashion attire they have to be even more careful about what they wear to make sure it is appropriate. ( hence why you always go more conservative and with a dark suit... I know they will go over this, but I agree!)

* If a woman chooses to wear a skirt, the length should be at her knee, and slacks are welcome also.
* In general, a woman should stick to dark colors for the shell and earth tones for the under layer of the suit.
* It is acceptable to wear short sleeves but it should be paired with a jacket or cardigan. A twin set is a good way to put this look together.
* Women also need to be aware of the way their top fits; of course cleavage is a big no no.
* When it comes to accessories, it should be kept at a minimum: nothing too flashy, heel height should not exceed 3 inches, and makeup should be very clean and natural.

TRISHA'S ANSWER: A woman should always wear a suit. It demonstrates respect for the interviewer, the company and the position. For any job in financial services, wear a suit. Other tips that one should remember are:

* If you're a guy applying for a creative position in a creative industry then you might drop the tie, but still wear a suit jacket.
* For women, a suit also. And watch what you wear under it. Often women (of all ages) wear a business suit with a V-neck or low-cut blouse revealing cleavage during an interview. I can't say that backfires every time but most times that will send the wrong message whether you are interviewed by women or men.
* This is no time to make a fashion statement. Be conservatively dressed so that the attention is on your resume, your qualifications and your response to questions. Anything distracting about your clothes, shoes, jewelry or hair will only cause the interviewer to "vote" on it, and you lose.
* At conservative companies bare legs would be inappropriate at an interview. Wear pantyhose if you are wearing a suit with a skirt.
* Dental work. If you chipped a tooth or had one extracted, reschedule the interview for a time when your teeth are all accounted for! Seriously, I've had to tell two clients to get their teeth fixed before they proceed with interviews. ( if you are local, I have a great dentist!)
* Clean shoes and clothes, freshly pressed.
* Women, clean out and organize your handbag prior to the interview. If you have to find a pen or get a Kleenex you don't want to rummage through a rat's nest. ( yes, I know, I have to do this more often!)
* Create an attractive, professional way to carry and display your resume, references, work samples, etc.
* Practice your handshake. Ask a friend for feedback. Is it too soft? Too aggressive? Too limp? Are your eyes down? Are you solemn or smiling? Be sure your handshake is firm and enthusiastic and brief. You do not want a memorable handshake! ( no dead fish or clammy hands)
* Go to the restroom prior to the interview and look in the mirror. Swig some mouthwash or brush your teeth again. Wash your hands from the subway. Practice your smile. Stand tall. Stride in, chin up, and have a great interview! ( you must practice this before hand...it works! If you do not have nay one to practice with...Use a mirror or even a bottle of water...anything that you can look at.

QUESTION: What basic tips do you offer for putting together a wardrobe in a cost-effective manner after understanding what are the norms of attire in the workplace that one is joining?

ROGER'S ANSWER: You should have plethora of top options to pair up with a bottom which you can repeat a number of times. Remember when at an interview you are sitting across a desk so more than likely you won't see your lower half.

Thanks for reading and I wish you success in your job search! Have a great day!

Violet

 

I just have to be the ray of hope. I have been accused of being too upbeat at times. Finally, this is the time that my optimism is really needed. I have facts to bring you hope.

I have been, and sometimes still am, fearful too. I work as hard as I can, when I can and when there is the opportunity. I give my coaching clients and business clients 150%. Sometimes it's 18 hours a day, 7 days a week. Sometimes, it's not as plentiful and I get scared too.

Today, I saw the following news release from the NY Times. today It's all about theindustries that ARE hiring. I realize that we are really in control of our work situation. We must continue to nurture the relationships we have with colleagues and life long friends in the industries listed below.

These are the fields in which you will find work now. You are the only one that can make it happen:

• Home Health Care Services, up 10.8%
• Federal Government Except Postal Service, up 9.3%
• Oil & Gas Extraction, up 7.4%
• Pipeline Transportation, up 6.7%
• Outpatient Care Services, up 4.6%
• Hospitals, up 3.8%
• Computer Systems Design & Related Services, up 3.4%
• Nursing & Residential Care Facilities, up 3.2%
• Motion Picture & Sound Recording Industries, up 3.2%
• Educational Services, Excluding Government, up 3.1%
• Management & Technical Consulting Services, up 2.7%
• State Government Education Services, up 2.1%
• Utilities, up 2.0%
• Waste Management & Remediation Services, up 1.5%

Do something to stay connected to people you know in the fields. Look for opportunities to provide your talent and strengths and you will find a new job!

• Pick up the phone!
• Send an email.
• Invite a new LinkedIn connection.
• Facebook an old high school friend.
• Send a "tweet" containing advice on your area of expertise.
• Blog on a topic you are an expert on and love.
• Microblog.
• Send an informational YouTube video clip to your former bosses.

I promise to help you stay focused on who is hiring, where you can get a job and be there as the "half full", "partly sunny" side of the current workforce challenges. Granted, there are some days it's much harder than others. Then I see statistics like those I have listed above and I must share the hope with you. Now pick up the phone and call your contacts in the industries that are hiring. Ask them: "What is your biggest challenge in your company now?" And then, offer a solution or two using your area of expertise. You will reap the rewards of your generosity. Please let me know how this works for you.

Have you seen our Facebook Fan Page this week? Our job seeker newsletter went out on Tuesday and the lead conversation was titled, "ENGAGE IN THE PAGE!", and engage they did! We gained over 30 fans that day and a ton of local, qualified job seekers have posted comments about what they are looking for. They are also reaching out in this new media fashion and soliciting help, guidance, and feedback.

Whether or not you are currently hiring, this is such a wonderful forum to be part of so you can engage in conversations with future candidates. What seems like basic career advice to some is very hard to come by information to others. Perhaps it is as simple as sharing a story of hope in how you might know someone who has landed a job in this economy, or maybe you have recently hired and you can share something specific that the candidate you hired possessed that afforded them the opportunity to rise to the top. This simple information could help others to brainstorm and consider situations and opportunities that otherwise might not have occurred to them.

I believe in today's job market it's a good bet that we all know at least one person close to us that is unemployed and this is a great way to personally make a difference and help them by having a place full of great relevant local contributions for them to turn to. I am excited to be sharing our Fan Page with the community as a place for job seekers to engage with each other and for employers and recruiters to also chime in and share real world examples and advice.

Please take a minute and if you have not already done so, BECOME A FAN, stay engaged, join a conversation, or even start one! Over the last several months that we have been promoting our fan page  I have received a lot of great feedback from the community as job seekers and employers are grateful to have this new media forum to engage in.

Let's together take it to the next level and get the page jumpin! South Florida Job Seekers are waiting to ENGAGE WITH YOU!

As you know, this past weekend was Halloween. I am always telling my clients to know their strengths, accomplishments, how they could be a value to their next employer, and most of all, know how to network and stand out from their competition. Think of this as your "30 second commercial" or snap shot of your business card.

Here is a great example of what happened this past weekend.

On Thursday before Halloween, I was the guest speaker at a meeting. I brought little bags of candy with my business card attached because I know how to do the little things that market my business. I had extra bags of candy and gave out the candy with my card attached on Halloween night.

The next day, Sunday, one of the parent's called me to say that was creative of me to attach my business card to the bag of candy. But more importantly, he is an HR Director for a local company and asked if I knew of individuals that had sales experience. I was excited to tell him yes, and actually it was a fellow neighbor that was looking for a job.

I called both of them, they spoke and tomorrow he has an interview!!! That is the power of Creative Networking!

Just like Jessica posted about helping each other out on the Fan Page...think outside the box. Even though the job may not be for you...do you know someone else who may be a fit!

Get creative...happy November! I'm here to help you too!

I hear a lot from job seekers that they don't know what else to do and they feel they have done everything and are still coming up without a job. In a previous blog we discussed the importance of turning these frustrations into solutions. It's super easy to get caught up in the frustrations, but takes a truly dedicated and committed individual to not let them hold you back and instead turn it into something you can use.

To expand on this a bit more I also suggested to get engaged in our Facebook Fan page. I wanted to dive into this a bit more as I had a lot of great conversations last week in our community at Hispanic Unity's annual Diversity Career Fair and The BBLN's Annual Connections Job Fair for people with disabilities. It was great to have these conversations face-to-face with job seekers and give them the ability to become fans of our page while at the job fair. What I shared with each of them is simple, "Never before has there been a forum for job seekers to interact and talk to each other."

People reacted to this and it excited them. This is the something different everyone has been asking for. Will this absolutely get you a job quicker? I do not know.... Will this increase your opportunities? ABSOLUTELY, WITHOUT A DOUBT!

So the cheezy line I kept hearing myself say over and over again was "Get engaged in the page!" Our Facebook Fan Page is a place for you to celebrate when you get an interview, offer support to those that might be stuck in a rut, and share best practices in the job search. Give it a go, a real true effort and GET ENGAGED IN THE PAGE!

On Tuesday, October 20, 2009, GMSHRM hosted its annual Diversity & Inclusion Awards during its October dinner meeting. This year’s award was presented to the Early Learning Coalition of Miami Dade/Monroe (ELCMDM).

THE EVENT

Miami Dade College's Stuido Jazz Ensemble opened the evening with its performance during the networking hour. The night’s dinner program then went on to be one of the most interesting ever, as it portrayed a best practices panel, comprised of a number of past Diversity & Inclusion award winners—VITAS, Akerman Senterfitt, Burger King Corporation, Ryder Systems Inc, and Miami Dade College. The panel was presented in a rarely-seen 'talk show' format directed by a moderator. Each panel member spoke about ways their company fosters diversity and inclusion in the workplace, sparking an insightful Q&A discussion with attendees.

The program was pre-certified for 1.25 HRCI recertification credits.

THE WINNER

Founded in 2000, the Early Learning Coalition of Miami Dade/Monroe offers a variety of affordable and innovative early education and voluntary pre-kindergarten programs serving more than 50,000 children in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.

The ELCMDM was elected as this year’s Diversity and Inclusion award recipient for its impressive inclusion efforts despite its limited resources. Worthy of mention are its innovative diversity training program now in place at other coalitions outside the Miami-Dade area, its recruitment of minority vendors through its RFP process, and its teen-mentoring program.

Below is a reprint of the scenario:

You work for a customer service phone center.  The work is more involved and more interesting than you thought it would be because you have to know a lot to solve caller problems and to provide callers with the wide range of information on the company’s products and services.  You have a come a long way in three months and are now one of the most knowledgeable phone representatives.  You have also mastered the ability to calm and reassure agitated customers.  However, last week the company hired a new supervisor for the customer service phone center.  Two days ago your supervisor chewed you out for being 10 minutes late.  Yesterday he told you that you spent too much time on the phone with a couple of callers.  Today the new supervisor installed a policy where all breaks and lunch hours are scheduled for set times.  Your buddy, who you go to lunch with every day, has a different lunch time than you do.  And to top the cake, everyone now has to ask permission before leaving their workstation to go to the bathroom.

What are your impressions of the new supervisor? 

First of all, yes the supervisor has made a key mistake, but it isn’t what the majority of the people that have responded to this scenario in the past identify.

Many people respond with comments like:

• The supervisor is a control freak.
• The supervisor is power-hungry.
• The supervisor is treating everyone like children.
• The supervisor has his/her priorities wrong.

The answer is: The supervisor has poor communication skills.

The supervisor has implemented the correct workplace rules for a customer service phone center.  Let me address each item to inform you why that is the case.

(1)    10 minutes late.  One of the goals of a customer service phone center is to minimize the time callers are on hold.  Callers that wait a long time on hold are dissatisfied customers and that could cause them to do business elsewhere.  Therefore, phone centers forecast the number of calls they expect in given time frames, and hire staff to ensure that the vast majority of calls can be handled in a timely fashion.  If you are 10 minutes late, the call center will not have the representatives it forecasted it needed to provide good customer service (acceptable hold time before speaking to a phone representative).  In fact some may wait so long they will hang up and call back later.  That results in additional calls later in the day, at a time when the phone center may not have enough staff to handle the increased volume and maintain good service levels.  Now, even more callers will hang up and call back another time; some may even call the next day.  So a ten minute tardy could result in poor service levels for days.  While this is not always (or even in some phone centers usually) the case; if it does happen, the results are always major problems for the business.  So good phone center supervisors manage their phone representatives time very closely.

(2)    Lunch and bathroom breaks.  The reason for scheduling breaks is the same as in number (1).  The supervisor needs to manage the number of phone representatives to the expected call volume.  If you are scheduled for a lunch time and want to switch, good supervisors will allow that assuming you can find someone to switch with you (on a permanent schedule basis, not day-to-day basis since too much time will be spent looking for someone to switch if done daily).

(3)    Too much time on the phone.  This is a concept many phone representatives find difficult to embrace.  After all, many believe they should spend as much time as needed with a customer to solve his/her problem and keep him/her satisfied.  However, the goal of the company is to provide good customer service to all.  If you spend 20 minutes with one customer, the result may be that 5 other customers are now waiting too long to connect with a representative.  Even of their questions are handled fine; they may be dissatisfied because of the long wait on hold to get to a phone representative.  One extremely satisfied customer and five dissatisfied customers is not a good outcome.  So what do you do?  Be sure that you only spend time with customers where the time is genuinely needed.  Do not spend extra time thinking that you’re providing superior service.  And after a necessary long call, be aware that a backlog of calls may have arisen and look to handle simple calls that follow courteously, but quickly.  In this case, assume you spent too long on calls that could have been handled more quickly.

Now onto what the supervisor did wrong.  Before implementing the changes, the supervisor should have called the staff together and explained why the changes were being implemented.  One of my favorite lines when I performed this task in the past was, “If you don’t like these rules, don’t say it’s because I have an ego problem, or that I’m treating you like children, or that I’m a control freak.  Instead say that you think my capacity planning model (the phone representatives I need based on expected call volumes) is bull.”  I found that after explaining how phone centers work, and why I implemented the rules at work that I did, that most representatives asked on their own, “how may callers are waiting” before asking if they could go to the bathroom.  They realized that if I managed the call traffic well, they had to deal with fewer irritated customers.

If you are a manger, supervisor, or business owner and like my scenario approach to training, click here to find out how I can create custom scenarios for your workplace.

(This post is based on some of the principles included in my new book, Unlock the Hidden Job Market: 6 Steps to a Successful Job Search When Times Are Tough which I wrote with San Diego-based executive coach, Duncan Mathison. For a free sample chapter, visit the book's official site: www.unlockthehiddenjobmarket.com )

If you’ve been following my posts, you’ll know that I’ve been writing about networking a lot lately. Or at least it seems like it. Networking, networking, networking. Maybe it’s me but don’t you think that when you say it out loud enough, it begins to sound like earwax? Okay…it’s probably just me.

Networking doesn’t have much appeal, does it? It doesn’t sound nearly as much fun as going to your local Applebee’s with some friends for a beer and some wings. Now there’s a problem with even that Applebee’s scenario. Based on the emails I’ve been getting, a lot of you are feeling that you don’t have too many friends either. And the ones you do have are getting, like, really tired of hearing you talk about your struggles to land a job. And you’re getting really tired of talking about it too. In fact, you’d just wish they’d change the subject.

I don’t think my readers are social losers. (At least I hope not, but, then again, what are you doing reading this blog post when it’s such a pretty day outside?) When you’ve been out of work for any amount o time, it’s easy to feel that you have run aground in the contacts department – especially in recent years when we’ve all been so busy taking care of our jobs and our families. We’ve let outside friendships perhaps atrophy. Maybe all your friends were work-related. And now that you’re out of work, you’re also fresh out of buddies. Or you’ve moved to a new town where you really, really don’t know anyone.

Whatever the reason for your feelings of isolation, you know you have to mix it up a little bit, well, a lot. Get some fresh meat, I mean talent, into your tight circles of relationships. Get out of the house. So I thought I’d offer some tips in that direction.

Remember that one thing leads to another. The thing about circulating is that your first dip into big world probably won’t net you a job. It’s a cumulative kind of thing. So leave that desperate, graspy, over-eager feeling at home when you head out the door. Just be open to meeting who you meet. Maybe tonight you’re destined to actually help someone else. And you’ll come home feeling just a little better about yourself.

Look for opportunities where you can become a regular. And no, I don’t mean the Applebee’s bar. When your face starts becoming familiar, you will emerge from invisibility to someone who people will be glad to see. Maybe they’ll even shout out your name, like, “Norm!” (But don’t count on it.) If you try a business mixer or worship service or volunteer opportunity, and people completely ignore you, keep going. Week after week. Introduce yourself as often as you can. And just let the cumulative effects of time work their wonders.

Stay away from solitary pursuits, even if they’re out of the house. Going to a matinee movie doesn’t count as “getting out there.” Go to local economic development or chamber of commerce meetings, receptions, mixers. Your local bookstore probably offers booksignings, author lectures or special classes. A friend of mine who is a professional coach is part of a team who gives courses at Whole Foods! Go! The home improvement stores offer free courses. Go! The American Red Cross offers courses in first aid, cpr, etc. Go!

Make job-related networking events only a small percentage of your out-of-the-house activities. First of all, you’re so much more than unemployed. And you need to nurture those other parts of who you are. At the very least, this way you’ll lead with an opener that’s so much more interesting than, “Hi, gotta job?” But most importantly is that your self-definition has a chance to stay strong and defined beyond this immediate need of landing a gig. You will also stand a better chance of meeting people other than fellow job-seekers. You know…people who already have jobs? And who would be thrilled to help you get inside their companies or organizations.

Learn something. Go to local college courses – especially the ones at night, when employed people go to school. You don’t have to matriculate and take on the expense of a formal semester. Continuing ed courses can be inexpensive. The teachers are often professionals in the community (hint: employed people!). It’s probably best if you took a course that would help you be more qualified for the kind of job you’re looking for. But even taking a non-job related course will at least remind you that there’s more to life than your daily bread (although, it’s kind of hard to make that argument right now, I know).

Teach something. Surely you know something that will benefit others. How to read, for adult literacy programs, for instance. If you have a profession or skill that’s useful in the for-profit world, surely you can introduce at least the basics to young people. Convene a panel of other experts and put on a program! (You’ll be able to find a venue. A friend of mine hosted the annual meeting of his professional association – on the premises of the company that had just laid him off. Awkward.)

Volunteer. Those same skills you can teach you can donate. It will make you feel good about being who you are and what you can do. That boost in self-esteem will give you the added confidence that will send out the signal that you’re a valuable contributor to the world.

Call old friends – even if they haven’t heard from you in a long time. This is where Facebook comes in handy. The other day I heard from a dear friend for the first time in about 8 years. We’d been looking for each other off and on over recent years but, thanks to Facebook, she found me first! And we talked on the phone for a full three hours. A lot of it was catching up. But, she was also very candid about the fact that she needed some professional advice from me. Did I see this as a cheesy ulterior motive? Heck no! First off all, I owed her a gigantic favor from 10 years ago (I mean, huge). Secondly, I love her and I know she loves me. So whatever I have is hers. (Advice, I mean.)

Ask for introductions. Unless you’re a bitter whiner who needs to blow your nose and brush your teeth (and, uhm, a little roll-on?), the friends you have should be happy to give you introductions you need to move your job search forward. If they’re reluctant to help you, find out why. Wouldn’t you want to know the truth, especially if it was something you could fix? And, if they’re possessive with or protective of their contacts to the point where they’re keeping you from helping yourself, or making you feel judged, it’s best that you should know that now. You might have just discovered a brand new opening in your group of friends to fill.

They say that once you achieve a certain age, it gets harder and harder to make new friends. Everyone is set in their habits, patterns, commuting routine, relationships. Well, one of the upshots of these economic times is that everyone is thrown higgledy-piggledy into a big pile of confusion and some flavor of disconnectedness. Now is a fantastic time to build new circles of friends and business contacts.

And vow to take better care of them in the future. Like, don’t wait 8 years before picking up the phone.

Interviewing Part II

OK, in the last blog I gave you some actual life scenarios (some funny, but true) that my friend ran into when hiring and here are some items she said are a must do when going to the interview. I agree with all of them!

Here's a top ten must do list:

1. Come prepared. Know the company's business, trends in the market, and its org structure. (So, the person interviewing with her, better know the department in government that she runs)
2. Do not refer to the people interviewing you by their first names. (Yo, Joe)
3. Bring several copies of your resume, and it should only be one-two pages, unless you are a professor.
4. Ask good questions, like what would be a measure of my success here or how do you define success in this office?
5. Avoid saying anything negative about a former employer or gossiping about what happened at your last office. (that jerk!)
6. Be prepared to discuss what your strengths are and why they need to hire you.
7. Be prepared to discuss your past accomplishments, not just your duties.
8. Do not bring anything in writing that contains grammar or spelling errors on it.
9. Arrive early.
10. Use a firm handshake. If your hands are clammy...wipe on pant leg discreetly before extending arm.

So there you have it...tips from another prospective. Valid, to the point, and useful!
Once again, Happy Job Hunting! Have a Successful Day!

A friend of mine that works in government sent me the following true to life scenarios...
please don't let this happen to you, and if it has, please correct today!

Top things not to say in an interview....or have been uttered before...

1. How much vacation time will I get and how soon can I take it?
2. Do you have casual Friday?
3. Will I have an assigned parking space and how close to the building is it?
4. My last employer and I had a toxic relationship.
5. What are the office amenities, like coffee, tea. Etc?
6. If you make me an offer, will I have a few days to think it over?
7. Here's a writing sample I did in 1990, it's the original coffee stains, construction paper cover and all.
After not receiving an offer of employment, candidate called and asked for writing sample to be returned.
8. When asked hypothetically how they deal with the boss deciding to go in a direction different than the one they would be pitching, candidate answered, "I would take it into consideration but, would do what I think is best"
9. My current office is micromanaging me and I can't take my boss anymore.
10. When asked if the candidate has a resume, candidate answers, "you did not tell me to bring one"

Remember...be yourself, be prepared, be alert, be honest, and don't be one of the people above!

P.S. Don't forget your resume!

 

In recent weeks I’ve been watching events unfold in Sedona  -- that whole James Arthur Ray thing and how people died in an ersatz sweat lodge.  I suppose for many people, a terrible event such as this (where people paid $9,000 for the privilege of dying a horrible death, surrounded in the gloom by their vomiting and fainting companions) is so exotic to most people that “that could never happen to me” is a thought that briefly passes through our minds.  And that would probably be true.

 

However, this whole clutch of motivation and self-help teachers has been bugging me over recent years. While a multitude of programs are offered every year that don't involve ambulances and homicide investigations, many of them are damaging in the way they take advantage of intelligent, open-minded individuals looking for a better way out of frustration and despair.  And the cumulative effect of little damages everywhere can also be very destructive indeed. And I’m worried that the general public might be even more at risk as the economy continues its stagger, stagger, crawl mode.  These are emotional frontiers we’re in, folks, and the woods are lousy with snake oil salesmen – people who promise to give you a breakthrough secret to life in a week or a weekend, for the price of a semester of college or a small car.

 I have had in my bookshelf for a couple of years now the book, SHAM, by Steven Salerno. And I’ve been really reluctant to read it. Primarily because I knew he would blow the lid off of the mechanics behind self-help gurus and their business models. And at the time I was also reading Martin Seligman (the very legitimate founder of the very legitimate positive psychology movement), and I was also dabbling in more than a little Jack Canfield, Tony Robbins, Marianne Williamson and even Joel Osteen. And, frankly, I liked the way their messages made me feel.  And while I certainly didn’t buy The Secret’s promises hook, link and sucker (I mean, sinker), having grown up in a family whose mantra was mainly, “ain’t it awful, ain’t it tragic,”  I knew there is definitely something to be said for willfully focusing on the positive side of things. If you have read my earlier postings, you’ll know that I believe that a positive attitude is more conducive to creative thinking and endurance during a time where everything seems to be hitting the fan.  At least it makes the ride a little more tolerable.

 But I also know a manipulative head-game when I see one. (At least I hope I do.) I certainly learned to recognize the signs when I’ve bought into one, much to my ever-lasting regret pretty quickly thereafter.  So, I thought I’d lay out a list of danger signs for you – with the hopes of helping you keep your money in your pocket.  (I get the fact that this could mean that I might miss out on a few sales of my own books – but at the end of this post I’m actually going to offer you my first book for free. I won’t even ask you for your email address as one of those cheesy quid pro quo gambits.)

 Avoid any course with titles containing such words as “breakthrough,” “success,” “transform,” “dream,” and whose tuition includes a comma.  Speaking from personal experience here.  These kinds of courses are mostly warmed over material drawn directly from the texts of books that you can purchase for $20 to $30.  There will be much playing of John Denver and hugging of total strangers  -- most who look like they either haven’t been hugged in decades or they’re really really really looking forward to hugging you. The break times are dedicated to urging you to sign up for the advanced course at twice the price (but today – and only today – slashed to the same amount you just paid for the basic course). My memories of those break times involve softly trance-inducing singing from the stage and a certain zombie-ness of the people moving to the back of the room where tables are conveniently set up, where staffers cheerfully accepted credit cards. Did I get anything of value from that basic week? Yes…my mastermind group is still intact after almost five years. We meet on the phone every other week and have become supportive friends. But have our circumstances changed significantly since we met that that “breakthrough” week?  Nope.  (As you can imagine, I’m usually the cranky one on our phone calls.)

 If you go to any course with a title that includes the words “spirit,” “warrior,” “vision quest,” make sure there is an EMT on call at all times before laying your money down. Most spiritual quests are flat-out scary. Who are these people to say they know the way, and will lead us there through a regimen of fasting, meditation and bodily deprivation? The way people refer to spirituality as Spirit, as if Spirit is their next door neighbor with handy cable piracy skills, is revolting. And the way white Americans romanticize the mysteries of Native American life and traditions is deeply hypocritical or willfully shallow. If they’re so enchanted by the Native American way, how about coming out to the Southwest, don't stop at the spas or casinos, and spend that week teaching Native American children to say no to crystal meth addiction and alcoholism? Share the inspiring benefits of your own education, skills and privilege, rather than trying to siphon off a few sips of mysticism from authentic traditions that you will never get anyway?

 If someone wants to teach you how to be rich (for whatever price), first find out how he got rich himself.  Look at the frequent fliers of this particular line of work, and you’ll find out that most of them got rich by sticking their hands into pockets of people just like you (and me). And they’re getting richer.  Did he ever grow a company, other than the staff of eager minions he has working for him now? Did he turn around a major corporation? Did he emerge from his own family of alcoholics and desperados to blaze his own trail by making something or contributing something useful to society (that is other than an ultra-expensive retreat)?  Is he an unimpeachable researcher who has the gift of translating esoteric, hard-to-understand information into immediately useful ideas that anyone can have for the price of a book?  That might be someone worth paying some attention to.

 When someone tells you that you’re nowhere without his secrets or gift, laugh and walk away. Need I say more? Okay, I will. I know of one so-called Buddhist guru (she’s American) who actually replaced the words “Higher Power” in the 12 Step Program with her own name.  That’s amazing. But what’s even more amazing is that hundreds of otherwise intelligent people said, “Duh, okay.”

 Just say no to any product marketed to you via email by someone you’ve never heard of but endorsed by someone you have. These people exchange mailing lists, knowing full well that purchasers of self-help products are the most likely to come back for more and more. The cynicism is mind-blowing.

 Avoid self-help books that were Number 1 on Amazon for, like, three hours one day.  Again, it’s the lists at work. These people know how to game the system and they use each others’ lists to snag that coveted spot, even for an instant. This way they can call themselves “bestselling authors.”  Big whup.

 Don’t give up your own dreams.  Life is full of true mysteries. My personal favorite one is the mystery of synchronicity. I’m a total sucker for those stories, and I have true, first-hand stories of my own that would curl your hair. But I wouldn’t bet the ranch on a synchronicity that I perceive to be an omen. (Even though, in my heart of hearts, I kind of hope it is.)

We all need fresh infusions of inspiration now and then. And  personal growth does involve keeping your mind open and venturing into uncomfortable zones now and then. But no breakthrough experience should necessitate group puking or even close bodily contact with strangers to the strains of “Sunshine On My Shoulders.”

 Keep your wallet in your pants. Or purse.

 (Now for the free offer:  I will give you a free copy of my very first book, Find Your Calling, Love Your Life. For absolutely nothing. Not even your email address.  Just go to www.unlockthehiddenjobmarket.com and click the green button that will lead you to free downloads. You can also have a free sample chapter of my new book, Unlock the Hidden Job Market.  Naturally, my coauthor and I would love it if you also purchased that book. But you know what? You don’t have to.)

 

 

 

A client called me and thought he was crazy to go for a promotion in this economy.

Once I asked all the questions, such as..."Are you qualified for the position?"...What are the circumstances that led to this opening?"..."Do you want the position?" was the ultimate question, and he said YES!!!

My answer to him was, "GO FOR IT!"

Of course, my first piece of advice was to make sure that he has an outstanding resume which highlights all of his accomplishments. What did he contribute to the success of the department in which he was now applying to be director of, this is key...especially when going for a promotion.

Yes, once again, there are jobs out there and many opportunities for advancement.

If you have the goods, GO FOR IT!

My client was the right hand man of the executive and without him, nothing would happen! He was one level under the executive and had all the experience, knew all the players of the company, and knows what it takes to bring value to the company, he is a great candidate, if not the candidate! His concern was that he will jeopardize his current situation...I do not think so. By applying he is showing confidence in his performance, ability to lead, and desire to grow professionally. I know there is always office politics, but who cares!

Don't be afraid to apply for a better position. GO FOR IT!

Again, just be sure to prepare your self for the the interview and position!

Be prepared to:

-Present your resume with all of your contributions to the company

-Get interviewed

-Tell your managers what direction the company or your department is going in

-Why you would be the ideal choice

Don't let an opportunity pass you by!

Keep your eyes open, ears a listening, feet ready to run, and resume in hand! Good luck!

 

 

I bet you have seen them a lot recently. Those commercials that have some guy saying follow his system and you too will join the ranks of successful and independently wealthy folks with a Mercedes parked behind you while someone films you with a big check held in front of you. In this economy people are drawn like flies. Last night I had dinner with my best friend and lo and behold she was complaining about how she had heard the guy "Guarantee!" She'd be getting rich without having to spend any of her own money and guess what... It didn't happen. She paid $299.00 and got a whole bunch of great looking CD's and booklet's and flyer's, and a plan. But what she didn't get was the exactly perfect situation, time and place to have everything work out for her like it does in commercials. She said something very insightful then... she said that she guesses she should have known better since if the guy was getting so rich on his system, why did he have to convince other people to buy into it. Why wasn't he off somewhere enjoying his riches. She than said, "I think if I am going to invest money again, I am going to invest in myself". She is signing up to go back to school for further training. She has a work ethic so she can compete on that no problem but in healthcare it is the people with credentials and certificates that get the first consideration for advancement. I liked the way she was thinking... why do we so easily get drawn into something we have no background or training in and forget the permanent things to improve ourselves. Is there anywhere that knowing more than the next guy isn't a major benefit... So why don't we all go back to school... are we more afraid of the challenge of school since we have been away from it, than we are of treading into absolutely new territory following a total stranger.... hmmm I think I am going to check out the adult educator magazine the next time it comes in the mail... in this economy I want to be as up to date as possible, and I just don't have what it takes to play the stock market with a magic program or buy and sell real estate with someone else's money..

What does it mean to “sell yourself”?

It’s ensuring that your resume makes it to the top of the stack, or that your name is on the short list of preferred candidates. Sure it starts with a good cover letter. But does it really start there? It’s having confidence in yourself and your abilities in order to convince others that you are the perfect person for that incredible job that you really want.

In order to be the best, you have to know that you’re the best, and that means you have to do your homework. That’s right, education.

There are many jobs out there but you may not have the right background. Well get it. You may be busy with a job that you don’t really want, but it pays the bills. Or you may be collecting unemployment for the time being, but that won’t last forever. Take a big tug on those bootstraps and earn the education that you need to better position yourself, professionally.

Going back to school… the idea is quite inspiring, really. But where will you find the time? You have it… you just need to carve it out of your schedule.

The good news is that you live in the day-in-age of the Internet and what an awesome tool that is. Because of its widespread access, there are some really great online education options out there that offer you the opportunity to study wherever and whenever you want. The fact of the matter is, online education is booming right now and because of the competition, you have some excellent options.

So here’s the drill: finish your bachelors, get your masters, differentiate yourself with a specialized certificate in an up-and-coming field like Sustainability Leadership, Software Engineering and Networking, or go global with an international business doctorate. Do your homework. Research your options. You may be surprised at the educational opportunities that exist today within our pivotal global economy.

Sell yourself with confidence, knowing you have the right education.

Research your educational opportunities at JobingEducation or learn more about one of our sponsored schools:  

Use your time wisely to better your life and let the bidding begin!