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March 30th, 2009
When you are faced with adversity, I want you to limit your worry time.
Yes, everyone knows that we are facing tough times. The majority of people in the U.S. are in some way negatively affected by our current economic nightmare. It is extremely important on how you handle the challenges most of us face. This advice may seem unrealistic; however, implementing this concept is anything other than unrealistic. It is very necessary! It is human nature to worry when faced with challenges. We already know that worrying accomplishes absolutely nothing.
Worrying negatively affects:
1. Your performance
2. Your overall outlook
3. Your health
It is unfair for me to tell you not to worry; but you need to limit the time that you spend worrying. As a job seeker, you are busy with the work necessary to secure employment. This may sound odd, but I want you to actually schedule time to worry. Many of you admit that you spend time worrying numerous times each day. With high levels of stress, it is possible to literally “shut you down.” Stress can consume you and what you are doing.
What I want you to analyze your behavior for one week. You need to keep a basic journal, recording what you do each day. After the five days, you will notice patterns of your behavior. I want you to review your journal and look for the pattern of time spent worrying. You will be surprised that at how often you worry about things during the same time each day. Once you have identified your worry time. Then, you need to pick a certain time each day and set aside 30 minutes. During these 30 minutes, you are allowed to WORRY, WORRY and WORRY! Once the 30 minutes are over, you need to turn off the emotions and get back to productive work. You should literally put your 30 minutes of worry time on your calendar. This scheduled time allows you to have your emotions, but it forces you to focus your attention on more positive things right away.
Of course, there will be exceptions to this plan. Life happens! Do your best to limit your worry time. You need to spend your time working on your job search and securing or changing your current place of employment!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
Sales Consultant/Coach
V.P. of Sales & Marketing
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March 17th, 2009
Let’s start out by looking at some dreadful questions:
Did you lose your job?
Are you unemployed?
Are you now under-employed?
Are you laid-off?
Have you been downsized?
How’s work?
Are you afraid of losing your job?
Has you company downsized or made cutbacks yet?
Will you be the one let go if your company does downsize?
The next two questions are my personal favorites:
1. Are you afraid/concerned/worried?
2. What will you do?
These questions are personal and should be handled with care. The questions above are answered by people you know, where the answers are simply none of their business. The individuals in your life who matter, mean something to you, and truly care for you, won’t ask those questions. It’s almost as if it has become appropriate to ask very personal questions. Those who truly care about you will likely know the answers to those questions or won’t ask out of respect for you. They will wait for you to address the topic of your career/job search.
Now, how do you handle these questions when asked by someone you don’t want to answer to? KEEP IT SIMPLE! Smile and keep your answers short. The best answer you can give is either yes or no. One word answers portray the message that you don’t want to offer more information. If handled politely, you can end the topic. Another simple answer is “I don’t know.”
It is expected that if you are currently unemployed or have the fear that you may lose your job, you probably don’t want to discuss it on a daily basis. Keep in mind, you do not have to answer, explain or justify your personal situation to anyone at any time.
Overall, when confronted with the situations above, keep your chin up, smile and shut down the conversation. Once you have that accomplished, confidently change the topic of discussion to something YOU want to discuss!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
Sales Consultant/Coach
V.P. of Sales & Marketing
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February 20th, 2009
This is a challenge that may seem different from most challenges you have accepted in the past. As professionals, we usually love a good challenge. Some of you will find this challenge near impossible, while others may entertain the idea. Whether you decide to attempt my challenge or not, it is something you should think about.
I challenge you, for five days in a row, Monday through Friday to NOT read ANY type of newspaper, watch ANY type of television news broadcast, listen to ANY radio news broadcast or catch news on the Internet.
Living in Indiana, one hour south of Chicago, it is almost necessary to have some type of media just to prepare us for our completely unpredictable weather. Also, many professionals from our area commute into downtown Chicago. Needless to say, traffic reports during rush hours are critical to their survival, or should I say sanity?
I don’t need to remind you of what is going on in our economy. These are very uncertain times, and most Americans have admitted that they fear what challenges they may face over the next several months. When you are in a job search, it is vitally important that you keep a positive attitude. Your overall attitude can either make or break whether or not you are extended a job offer. Personality is often just as important as your past work experience.
This is the reason for my challenge; we are literally flooded with negative messages coming at us from every direction. If you watch the news, read the newspaper, listen to the radio, or check ANY news on the Internet, you are guaranteed to experience negative news regarding our country’s financial nightmare.
Therefore, if you were to shut down all media, just for one week, five days, what type of impact might that have on you?
Many Americans live by the news, literally. Watching the news and reading the newspaper may be as important to your morning routine as brushing your teeth or putting on your shoes.
The reason for my challenge is that the negativity that is portrayed and reinforced often multiple times each day, must contribute to the insecure feelings that you and most others may have regarding our Profession as well as personal lives.
If you actually take this challenge, and live through it, I would love to hear what type of experience you have after only one week. My email address is nphillips@hrsearchinc.com.
Good Luck!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
Good as Gold Training, Inc.
Sales Consultant/Coach
V.P. of Sales & Marketing
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February 6th, 2009
Volunteer - NOW? The answer is YES!
Whether you are still employed and searching for new employment, or unemployed and in a thorough job search, volunteering is a wonderful way to help others as well as help yourself!
Sometimes when we are consumed with financial pressures, it is difficult to focus on other important things in our life. By volunteering, it takes our attention off of ourselves, even if just for a day. It allows us to see that there are others, not far from us that are truly in “survival” mode. It helps put our challenges in perspective. It also feels wonderful to help others without expecting anything in return. It is a win-win situation!
During tough times it is very common to end up feeling depressed, feeling sorry for ourselves. In many circumstances, there are very real reasons why you should feel depressed. It is also very difficult to focus on positive aspects of our lives when the negative aspects have an impact on everything we do. When you volunteer to help others in need, you are having a positive impact on someone’s life. Sometimes just a “thank you” from someone less fortunate will be all it takes to turn your own attitude back to where it should be…grateful for what you DO have versus what you don’t have!
It may seem simple, and actually it is, helping others is good for others, and good for you!
Next time you are asked to volunteer, say yes!
Better yet, you don’t have to look far to find someone less fortunate, someone’s life who can be changed…by you, NOW!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
Sales Consultant/Coach
V.P. of Sales & Marketing
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January 2nd, 2009
Jules Renard captured the definition of procrastination when he said,
“Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get tired!” The quote above is funny, procrastinating is not. It is typically a habit and is basically a lack of discipline. It is a time issue; however, it is also coupled with a lack of motivation. Another very famous quote addressing the problem of procrastination is “Never put off tomorrow what could be done today” - Ben Franklin. This statement has two concepts. The first concept is that being productive today will motivate you to be productive tomorrow. The second, more obvious meaning is that not putting things off will make us more productive on a daily basis. The ironic thing about time is that we all have the same exact amount of time. It is what we do with that time that makes the difference. Often, individuals who procrastinate also have a lack of confidence and low self-esteem. Although challenging, there are a few things you can do to change if you are one who tends to procrastinate.
The first thing is to have the mind set of NOW! It is okay to plan for your future, but you should try to live in the here and now. This attitude helps you focus on what is happening at that very moment. If you make every moment count, you are less likely to want to miss anything. The second suggestion is to simply take action. Action itself cures hesitation. This is probably the quickest way to improve procrastination. It may help to make a schedule and for every task you complete on time, check it off. This simple activity allows you to track your progress and feel a sense of accomplishment when you do not delay activities. This will also help build your overall self-esteem! Go FOR IT - NOW!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
Sales Consultant/Coach
V.P. Sales & Marketing
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December 26th, 2008
Once the preparation is done, the interviewing process is complete and your follow-up is finished, what comes next? Hopefully a job offer! You have put a lot of hard work into your job search. You now are receiving job offers. It seems like this would be the easy part of the process. However, if you are making a career move, you know how much is at stake. Your decision will literally change your life. Often, your job change will also effect spouse, children, and even friends.
You cannot take the offer stage lightly. Many areas need to be evaluated.
1. The Company -
a. Do I like management?
b. Do I see myself fitting in with other employees?
c. Is the company stable?
d. What is the future of the corporation?
2. The position -
a. Does it meet my immediate career goals?
b. Does the salary and benefits meet my needs?
c. Is this a newly created position?
d. Why is the position open?
e. Are there advancement opportunities?
3. The Current Market/Economy -
a. How many other offers do I have pending?
b. Is this company stable and/or growing?
c. How does this company compare to its competitors?
4. Your Career -
a. Does this opportunity meet my current career goals?
b. Does this opportunity set me up for my future career goals
c. What time commitment am I willing to make to this corporation?
d. Will this work experience add to my skill level?
e. Does this company offer enough for me to consider retirement?
Job offers are the ultimate goal of your job search. However, the offer must be the RIGHT offer for you!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
Sales Consultant/Coach
V.P. of Sales & Marketing
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December 15th, 2008
This small step is a must in every job search. In this job market it is imperative that you have a list of references that you can provide to all prospective employers. There are a few rules when using your references.
1. Make a list of 3 to 5 professional references.
2. Make sure that all spelling is correct.
3. Make sure that ALL contact information is current and correct.
4. Make sure that you have provided name, title, contact information and which company you worked for them.
5. Make sure that your reference has agreed to give you a positive reference.
6. Most importantly, when you are in an active job search, contact all of your listed references and make them aware of your search.
7. It is also strongly recommended that you contact all of your references when you get to any second interviews. Let them know exactly what position you are pursuing. Provide them with as much information as possible. The reason for this extra step is that they can answer questions specifically geared toward the opportunity you are interviewing for.
8. Once you think any prospective employers might start checking references, another benefit in making them aware of your search is that you should let them know that hiring authorities may be contacting them in the near future. This will often increase the chances that they will return a phone call to give you your reference. Often past employers in high ranking positions are busy and may not return calls as quickly as you need them to.
9. It is extremely important that the professional references you list are professional. You need these individuals to be people who have supervised/managed you in your past positions. You should never list a co-worker unless you identify on your list that they were, in fact, a co-worker.
10. List 1 or 2 personal references. More times than not, these references will not be checked. Often personal references are checked when there is a relocation as part of your search. Personal references are checked to test whether or not the job seeker is seriously considering the move.
11. Make sure all information is correct. You need to check on spelling, how you know the individual and for how long.
12. Make sure all information is current.
13. Make sure that you are on good terms with the personal references you list.
14. Again, advise all individuals that you are in an active job search and that they may be receiving a phone call from possible prospective employers.
References can literally make or break your job search. Make sure your references are ready for your job search!
Nancy . Phillips, CPC
Sales Consultant/Coach
V.P. of Sales & Marketing
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December 5th, 2008
There is a tendancy to stop your job search during the Holidays. The GOOD NEWS is most job seekers do exactly that - so there is less competition.
Don’t put your search on hold, continue making contacts, continue submitting your resume and continue setting interviews. Remember, you full-time job right now is to book as many interviews as possible. Job Searching is no different than dating! You have to get in front of people if something good is going to happen.
Many companies must spend their hiring budget before December 31, in order to qualify for the same hiring budget next year. Wouldn’t it be great if part of that budget was spent hiring you!
Barb Bruno, CPC, CTS
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November 28th, 2008
As mentioned in an earlier Blog, self-esteem will either be a positive factor in your life or it can be crippling. When you are in a job search, it is inevitable that you will be faced with rejection. No one likes any type of rejection. Once you have suffered any kind of rejection, your overall self-esteem is affected. Many people with low self-esteem have had it most of their lives. It is definitely something that can be changed, but typically over a period of time. It will take many positive situations to build self-esteem. Half of the battle is realizing that you have self-esteem issues and then making a conscious effort to work on it.
The following are self-esteem builders:
Learning is often closely related to knowledge and motivation. Often the more people know, the more motivated they are to act. Studies have shown that children at 3 years old with high I.Q. scores have energy that is linked to mind stimulations. One must continue learning on a regular basis in order for their minds to stay sharp. The average U.S. worker reads only two books pertaining to his or her occupation in their entire career. This lack of motivation to learn leads to low self-esteem. Therefore, it is imperative that you continue to challenge yourself. Life lessons are learned every single day.
Complimenting others and using encouraging words is a great way to build your self-esteem. The concept is simple. We tend to compliment others when we feel good about ourselves. This does not mean that you should make up nice things to say to others. When the compliment is genuine, it makes others feel good and it builds your self-esteem. Your words have a significant impact on others. It is easier to forget someone’s actions, but their words we remember. Just as important as the impact our words have on others is the impact our words have on ourselves. Complimenting others helps to build our self-esteem and higher self-esteem translates into higher levels of motivation.
Being sincerely thankful feels great, however, in order for it to really build your self-esteem, you must verbalize your feelings. Wanting more out of life is good. However, there is a great misconception that material things can make us happy. Happiness does not come from outside things, it comes from within. If you believe that happiness comes from outside sources, this will rob you of esteem and natural motivation. You must be thankful for the little things and the big things. Be thankful now and make it a habit. Thankfulness ultimately builds self-esteem.
Overall, you must do everything you can to strive for high self-esteem. Once you feel you have reached this goal, you must protect it and continue practicing the suggestion mentioned above. Good Luck!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
Sales Consultant/Coach
V.P. of Sales & Marketing
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November 21st, 2008
Dreams give us our direction, which is the foundation for sustained motivation. Dreams are what we count on for our daily motivation. It is imperative that we have a clear idea of what is important to us. Dreams allow us the ability to see what is possible for our future. Everything in life, tangible and intangible both begin with a dream. Without dreams and direction, motivation becomes difficult to maintain. Dreams begin emotionally and then become logical. Our dreams MUST be aligned and consistent with our internal values and belief systems.
“Our aspirations are our possibilities.” - Robert Browning
Ask yourself the following questions:
1. Do you like what you do?
2. Do you take pride in your work?
3. Are you happy with your life?
4. What would you do if money were not an issue?
5. What do you do better than anyone else?
6. What are your hobbies?
7. What are you passionate about?
8. What is your definition of success?
9. What were your childhood dreams?
10. Where do you see yourself in 5, 10 or 20 years?
Once you take time to answer these questions, really think about your answers. Are your dreams consistent with what you are doing now? If they are, congratulations and keep up the good work. If they are not, evaluate your dreams, make a clear plan and go after your dreams!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
Sales Consultant/Coach
V.P. of Sales & Marketing
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