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April 18th, 2007
The word motivation usually has a positive connotation! However, there are some individuals that feel the word motivation denotes negativity. Some individuals believe that motivation is a great concept but is short lived and temporary. In some instances this is true and they are right. Motivation is a unique concept defined only by the individuals who address it!
When we are motivated to action, our adrenaline flows and the “fire in the belly” gets turned up, inspiring us to take aggressive and immediate actions toward the achievement of our goals! We are the sum total of the decisions we have made, and when we make a decision, we are doing something which can alter the course of our life!
The degree to which an individual strives to achieve greater things, is determined by the direction and intensity of his motivation. Direction is determined by the quality of decisions made and actions taken. Intensity is determined by passion and how we approach our tasks.
People with positive direction and high intensity of motivation are self-starters. They don’t look to others to “motivate them.” They internalize their motivation and hold themselves accountable for their own results.
Self-starters know how to get to the source of their internal power and they use it effectively. This is the means by which people successfully internalize their motivation!
P.T. Young defined motivation as “…the process of arousing activity, maintaining the activity in progress, and regulating the pattern of activity.” Activity is the key word in this definition. Motivation generates activity toward the creation of our desired outcomes. The greater the intensity of the focus of our desired outcomes, the more effectively directed our activities will be.
High achievers utilize their time most effectively because their focus is so intense. They consider their tasks as missions that must be accomplished!
Motivation is definitely something that comes from within! It is not possible to “motivate someone.” It is possible for you to increase your belief in the concept of motivation. “What the mind can conceive and believe, the body will achieve!” In other words, if you are someone who feels you lack motivation, in general, you are probably right. If this is an area you would like to improve on, then make a conscience effort to study the concept of motivation – today! You need to spend time thinking about what things excite you to take action. Once you have identified those things, look for patterns and similarities. You will need to actually practice your “awareness” of these feelings. Eventually, you will not have the need to “think about” the motivation you are trying to create and nurture.
Self-starters have motivation and are successful!
If you want to become a self-starter and successful, then work on your motivation!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
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April 11th, 2007
I have to share a funny story with all of you. I was asking an individual yesterday how her job search was going and her answer was “terrible, you know it snowed?” It is April 11th and we do have snow on the ground, but the only thing that affects are your own “mood” and possible problems driving conditions.
When you are in a job search you can always say “It’s too close to a holiday”, “It’s too cold”, “It’s too warm”, “No one hires in the summer”, “The job market is tight”…etc. The truth of the matter is these are all excuses that are NOT VALID! Employers hire when they have a need which is not controlled by the weather.
A Job Search is SALES. You are selling your talents to prospective employers. Sales is a “NUMBERS” game. Ask yourself the following questions:
1. If you are not working, are you putting 40 hours in a week to your job search?
2. Do you send out resumes every single day?
3. Do you identify NEW targets for your job search daily?
4. Are you booking at least three interviews every week?
5. Are you attending networking functions, job fairs, and other events?
If you did not answer YES to the questions above, realize you are NOT putting enough effort into your search.
Make a commitment today to send out 10 resumes every day, follow up on all past contacts and identify 10 new targets to contact the following day. Your full time job right now IS your job search.
Barb Bruno, CPC, CTS
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April 4th, 2007
Holidays are nice occasions when you get together with family and friends. That is….unless you are not employed. During Holidays you feel more pressure to “purchase items” and purchase “a hostess gift” when you arrive for dinner. Passover and Easter don’t put as much pressure on you as other holidays, but they are just one more reminder that you are not working and don’t want to spend money you don’t have.
Don’t slow down your job search, if anything speed it up during holidays. So many individuals wait until AFTER the holiday to resume their job search - so you have less competition. Companies still need to hire. Certain businesses actually slow down and hiring authorities have more time to focus on interviews. This is also a great time to network. More people will be out mingling and socializing and you will be asked what you’re doing.
Remember to have business cards that have your name, contact information and for your title you list “Free Agent on the Open Job Market”
This automatically starts conversations and you never know who might lead you to your next wonderful opportunity. A new season has started and now is a great time to develop a refreshed attitude and approach to your job search. Talent is difficult to find in this job market. You just have to get in front of enough decision makers to find an opportunity that will enrich your life.
Have a wonderful Holiday Season and remember - keep interviewing!
Barb Bruno, CPC, CTS
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March 27th, 2007
A cover letter is an introduction of you to a total stranger! This total stranger however, may be your next employer. Your letter must be compelling, personable and brief. It needs to specifically relate to the position for which you are inquiring. This is your first opportunity to make a good impression, and it could be your last. The content of your cover letter should be as follows:
Addressed to: When possible, your letter should be addressed directly to the person making the hiring decision. If you are unable to obtain that person’s name, address it to a high-level executive in your area of interest. If you are answering a blind ad you should address it to a Human Resource Professional. You should avoid using “To Whom This May Concern.”
Make sure that all names and positions are accurate and properly spelled. Place a phone call to the personnel department and verify all names, titles and departments.
Salutations: Always address the recipient by name: “Dear Mr. Jones,” not “Dear Sir/Madam, or Gentlemen.”
First Paragraph: In this paragraph, try to say something that will catch the reader’s attention. Next, state your reason for your letter and the specific position you are applying for. Indicate briefly how you heard about the position.
Second Paragraph: Indicate why you are interested in the position, the company and its products or services—above all, what you can do for that employer! If you are a recent graduate, explain how your academic background makes you a qualified candidate for the position. Point out specific achievements or unique qualifications that differentiate you from others applying for the opportunity. Try not to repeat the same information they will read on your resume.
Third Paragraph: Refer the reader to the enclosed resume which summarizes your qualifications, training, experience and most importantly, your ACCOMPLISHMENTS!
Final Paragraph: Indicate your desire for an interview and your flexibility on time and place. Repeat your contact information. Finally, close your letter with a statement or question which will encourage a response. One example would be stating that you will call on a certain date to set up your interview. If you take this approach, make sure you follow up on that exact date.
Closing: Keep it simple and professional and most important, don’t forget to personally sign each letter you send!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
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March 26th, 2007
Ask yourself the following questions to self asses your current resume:
1. Does the layout invite attention? Is it clear and easy to read with appropriate spacing?
2. Did I list only my past 10 years of work experience?
3. Did I list my education? High School? College? Trade School? Any job relevant professional courses complicated? Any job relevant
certifications.
4. Did I key in on any rewards/awards that set me apart from my past co-workers?
5. Do I have a skills section that lists all career specific skills?
6. Did I make it extremely to contact me to set up interviews? Cell phone, etc.
7. Is all of my contact information accurate?
8. Are ALL of my dates listed on my resume accurate?
9. Do my strong points stand out?
10. Is my resume on one page? (ideally one page, two is fine also)
11. Does it include a clear-cut Objective or Summary of Qualifications?
12. Is all the information relevant to my Objective or Summary of Qualifications?
13. Is my verbiage clear and professional (no jargon)?
14. Is my information honest and ethical?
15. Does it grab the reader’s attention immediately?
16. Did I omit any personal information?
17. Did I omit any reasons for leaving past jobs?
18. Did I omit any salary information?
19. Am I using strong impact statements?
20. Am I using Accomplishments rather than simply tasks/duties?
21. Are my responsibilities clear and understandable?
22. Did I avoid abbreviation?
23. Would my resume entice the Hiring Authority to select ME as one of their candidates to interview?
24. Did I check and double check for spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors?
25. Did I have someone I trust read my resume for spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors?
26. Did I offer to provide References at their request?
These are just the very BASICS as you review your RESUME. Remember that your Resume is your “ticket to your interview.” Your interview is the main step to your Job Offer! It is always a good idea to have someone look over your Resume. However, keep in mind that the opinions you receive are Subjective and ultimately it is YOU who will make the final revision!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
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March 13th, 2007
QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT A COMPANY
When you are in a job search you eventually get to the point where you have a list of corporations that you have “targeted” as places you would like to work! The first step you need to take is to research each corporation. Therefore, you are more likely to get an interview with one of those companies as well as get an offer with one of these companies. When you are attempting to set up interviews, the more intelligent and informed you sound, the more likely you are to catch the attention of the HR professional you are speaking with on the other line. When you are actually interviewing, the more you know about their company, the more impressed they will be that you took the time to learn about them. Furthermore, your answers to their questions will be more specific simply because you have more information. This information you researched will set you apart from your competition. Standing out from the other individuals they interview, due to your knowledge, is a great way to be remembered when they are making their final hiring decisions!
The following are sample questions you should research and have answers to before your interview:
1. What is the history of your company? How many years in business?
2. How many employees?
3. How many locations? Where?
4. Where is your home office?
5. What are the company’s product lines?
6. Who is the President of the company? How long have they been with the company?
7. Have the name of the company’s CEO and CFO.
8. Know the name of the main Receptionist.
9. Know the Name and Title of the HR representative who will handle the hiring for the opportunity you are
interested in.
10. How are Sales generated? Size of the Sales Force. Organization of the Sales Force.
11. Describe the work environment.
12. What are the specific responsibilities of the opportunity?
13. What are the usual communication channels?
14. What type of training is required?
15. What is the career path for this position?
16. How do you evaluate and review performance? How often?
17. What is a typical day like? Is there a typical day?
18. What is the company’s current position in the marketplace?
19. What types of technology does your company utilize?
20. What are the three main characteristics that will make someone successful in the position?
Do your best to become an expert on the corporations you decide are places you want to work. Information about those companies will provide you with an “edge” over the other individuals interviewing for the same opportunity. Knowledge is power! You need to impress the HR professional that interviews you. It is not always the most qualified person that secures the job, it is often the person who interviews the best!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
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March 7th, 2007
When you are job searching you are on a fact-finding mission! You must research and become an expert in the field you have targeted as your first career choice. I will give you sample questions that you must ask about your field or industry.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS ABOUT A CAREER CHOICE OR INDUSTRY
1. What are the basic prerequisites for opportunities in the field?
2. What entry-level jobs qualify one for this field?
3. What types of training do companies give to people entering this field?
4. What are the average salary ranges for various levels of experience in this field?
5. What aspects of a career in this field do you consider particularly beneficial? Particularly bad?
6. Do you view this field as a growing one?
7. Is there currently a demand for individuals in this field?
8. What is the typical profile of a successful person in this field?
9. How do you see the opportunities in the field changing over the next ten years?
10. What is the best way to obtain a position which will start me on a career in this field?
11. What hours do successful people normally work?
12. May I review job descriptions for some of the positions in this field?
13. What, if any, are the positive as well as negative, issues facing this industry?
14. What kinds of technical skills will provide greater opportunities to advance in this industry?
15. Who are the respected individuals in this industry?
16. What government regulations affect this industry?
17. What are the main issues facing your industry?
18. Which other industries directly affect what happens in this industry?
19. Which kinds of companies are forming strategic alliances in this industry?
20. What do you see are the greatest opportunities in this industry within the next 3 to 5 years?
You need to become an expert in the field you have targeted as your first career choice! The more educated you become, the better you will sound during your interviews. Your knowledge will set you apart from your competition and will drastically increase your chances for becoming the candidate they select for their opportunity!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
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February 20th, 2007
It is very easy to have a life that is out of balance. Some of you may even choose to have an “out-of-balance” life so they may achieve success in one specific area. Or your life may become out of balance in one area for a certain length of time so that you may “catch up” in that area. However you decide to live your life, it is still good to know what you may be missing.
You need to pay attention to all areas. In order to attain balance in your life, you need to grow in all areas:
1. Spiritual
2. Financial
3. Career
4. Health & Fitness
5. Recreation
6. Family
7. Social
You need to pay special attention to your careers in order to meet your “basic” obligations. Be sure that you have a “career” and not just a “job.” A Career has a concept of personal development. A Job has a concept of “I need money to do something else with.”
To Grow In Every Area
1. Have goals in every category.
2. Set priorities.
3. Develop a plan.
4. Live.
5. Review. (Go back to step #1)
You should review annually what you did last year and what you plan for next year! Keep your plans where you can easily read them any day of the year. Look for growth in each area. If you see an area that has not improved, focus more on that area on your next plan.
Set goals for yourself! The goals must be measurable: you must be able to tell when you’ve accomplished one of your goals! Set goals that make you stretch. All successful people have failed. It’s how you deal with set-backs that counts! If you have never failed then you have never reached!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
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February 12th, 2007
The WOW factor can be used by anyone and should be used by everyone in a job search! One of the most powerful aspects of any job search is being “different!” What is WOW?
WOW separates the strong from the weak.
WOW separates the sincere from the insincere.
WOW separates the yeses from the noes.
WOW is the full measure of your sales “ability.”
WOW is crucial when you are interviewing because it is the “ability” to “sell yourself!”
Are you WOW?
You can measure how much WOW you have in your job search by looking at the following 10 aspects of what makes up WOW:
1. Be totally persistent – to reach decision makers you must send your credentials, follow up on those credentials and then follow up to set an interview. Finally you must follow up on your interview, don’t forget your thank you note (personally hand-written.)
2. Be totally knowledgeable about your Target Corporation – know the companies Mission Statement, know their competitors, know how long they have been in existence, know the key executives and HR contact names. Do your research, your homework.
3. Be totally prepared – know what credentials they are requiring for the position, have your resume reflect what they are searching for, have a copy of past reviews, have a list of references (references who are aware they may be contacted.)
4. Be 10 minutes early – It is best to arrive early. It is always a disaster to arrive 2 minutes late. Carry in only what you need for your interview. Extra “things” appear “sloppy.”
5. Be totally professional - This means your entire first impression. Dress professionally, have a briefcase or portfolio that is new or in good shape. You then must continue by using correct verbiage. (NO SLANG – EVER!)
6. Be personable – Let your personality show! Smile! Give a firm, not crushing handshake.
7. Be aware of your “non-verbals” – Smile when you are greeted, your eye contact is very important – look at their eyes and then in front of you. Looking down is a sign of insincerity. Shake hands in a friendly, yet professional manner. Walk and sit up straight – this is a sure sign of self-confidence.
8. Totally separate yourself from your competition – Have new ways to present your experience, have creative ways to present your skills. Plan how you are going to set yourself apart from everyone else.
9. Be totally confident – As mentioned earlier, walk and sit straight, be very comfortable with your resume and your answers to their questions. Keep good eye contact when asking and answering questions. At the end of your interview ask for the job!
10. Be WOW yourself – You must be positive, enthusiastic, focused, polished and outstanding!
These will make you MEMORABLE!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
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February 7th, 2007
A well thought out, concise Marketing Plan is an essential part of your successful job search! A solid, detailed Plan forces you to focus and direct your job search; ensures that you are covering all methods; keeps you aware of how much work you have to do, and evaluates the quality of your efforts.
Your Marketing Plan is a dynamic, action oriented plan that helps you set realistic and meaningful daily, weekly and monthly goals. This plan is critical to your career management program.
Follow these STEPS when you are writing your Marketing Plan:
1. Define your target market by considering the following….
A. Industry
B. Corporations in the Industry
C. Services / Products of the Corporations
D. Number of Employees
E. Geographic Locations
F. Corporations Net Worth
2. Describe the job function you want.
3. Review classified ads for sample job descriptions.
4. Compare your skills, experience, education and background to the sample job descriptions to see if your background supports the positions you are interested in.
5. Map out your campaign strategy: RESEARCH
6. Compile your networking list.
7. Develop a list of recruiters/agencies that specialize in your area of expertise.
8. Organize your direct mail plans.
9. Tailor your resume and other marketing pieces.
10. Get interviews
11. Document the results
12. Follow-up
You have to think of yourself almost like a product you are selling to a prospective buyer - the HIRING AUTHORITY. Job Searches are difficult because you have to “sell yourself.” If you are not in the Sales Profession, it can be extremely uncomfortable - but it is necessary! If you were selling a product, you would identify “who” would be most likely to purchase your product. You must do that same type of methodical planning when you write the marketing plan for your job search. Compiling this plan will drastically REDUCE the time it will take you to find your next wonderful career opportunity!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
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