12 Tips to Help You Make A Better First Impression
first_impressionWe talk a lot about personal branding and the need to have solid marketing documents that articulate your true value. However, if you can’t make a strong personal connection, it will be that much harder to demonstrate that you have the skills needed for the job. Making a great first impression is half the battle in impressing a hiring manager. Here are 12 tips to help you make a solid first impression, compliments of Alyson Kruger at Business Insider:
1. Dress to impress. Studies reveal that first impressions are formed within the first 17 seconds of a meeting, and 55 percent of that opinion is appearance. How does this affect your strategy for attire? Dress conservatively, even if the dress code for the workplace is casual or “funky.” Avoid loud accessories, hair styles, shoes, or anything that would take attention away from your skills. Also dress to show that you respect for the interviewee and the company.
2. Think before you speak. Seven percent of what we think of others is based on what they say. Think about how you want to come across, whether it’s humble, aggressive, optimistic, innovative, then make a list of words to convey that impression. Even if you don’t use those words it will help you prepare.
3. Watch your tone of voice. Thirty-eight percent of a person’s first impression is taken from tone of voice. Consider how you sound to others. Do you sound calm, enthusiastic, confident, humble, self-assured. Practice the way you want to be perceived.
4. Adjust your body language. Ninety-three percent of people’s judgments are based on non-verbal cues. A firm handshake, good posture, a smile, and eye contact will help reinforce a good first impression. Avoid gestures like crossing your arms or sitting too casually which may convey that you are bored or don’t care. Be aware of your physical attitude.
5. Use their name, often. People like to be acknowledged and studies show that addressing potential customers by name increases the likelihood of a sale by 36 percent. When you meet someone, say their name – “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Jim.” And repeat their name through the interview. It will help cement the relationship.
6. Be on time. Being late shows a lack of respect for others’ time. If you can, arrive 15 minutes early and use the time to collect your thoughts.
7. Focus on them. Even though it’s an interview, focusing too much on yourself will bore the other party. Prepare by making a list of questions about the other person and their company. You don’t have to go into great detail but show that you are interested in learning more about them.
8. Listen. We have talked about the need for good listening skills in the past. Exchange information, don’t dominate the conversation, and listen to the others closely. Also acknowledge what they are saying with phrases like, “that makes sense” or “interesting” or “can you elaborate on that” to show you are engaged.
9. Tain’t necessarily funny. Watch the use of humor. Avoid sarcasm or controversial jokes that could be misinterpreted, especially if you are meeting someone for the first time.
10. Bring your documents. Don’t assume they will have copies of your documents. Bringing your own paperwork shows you are prepared. And bring them in a portfolio or briefcase to show you are organized.
11. Do your homework. Learn all you can about the person whom you will be meeting. Check them out on LinkedIn, the corporate web site, and using other social networking tools so you can ask informed questions about them.
12. Be yourself. If you can, try to relax and be yourself – be authentic. To help you overcome nervousness, do something to relieve the stress. Exercise beforehand, listen to music, whatever helps you relax. Also give yourself a pep talk, list your best qualities, practice in the mirror, or call a friend to give you a boost. And during the meeting try to relax. You can never know what the other party is thinking so just be yourself.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
How to Stand Out from the Competition!
Even if you have reached the top rungs of the corporate ladder, you might discover in this turbulent job market that potential employers will be looking beyond your core qualifications to your creativity, flexibility and fit into the company culture. Establishing yourself as a best-in-class professional, capable of easily adapting to and thriving during fluctuating economic cycles, will set you apart and enable you to more quickly land a career-enhancing opportunity. Some nontraditional strategies include:
1. Be open to interim positions or consulting projects. These will allow you to draw an income, keep your skills fresh and position yourself for prime roles once regular hiring levels return. So-called independent workers now comprise more than 30% of the American work force, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, demonstrating an increased willingness on the part of employers and professionals to consider unconventional working arrangements. With many companies unable to hire full-time employees, highly seasoned project or temporary professional workers are an appealing alternative.
2. Consider posts that are a pay grade or title below your most recent position. You’ll be positioned to exceed expectations and possibly turn the “downgrade” into a dream job later on. This is a particularly relevant strategy at organizations with reputations for promoting from within. By consistently over-performing and demonstrating your value to the company, you will ensure that you are at the top of its shortlist when more prestigious opportunities become available.
3. Be willing to relocate – domestically or even internationally. Look for opportunities that might ultimately keep you on the cutting edge of your field. While demand for talent will certainly rebound world-wide over time, job creation for top professionals may be more robust in emerging economies such as Brazil, Russia, India and China in the near term.
Career success in any type of job market is often as much about perseverance, preparation and timing as it is about talent and passion. Keeping an open mind about the path you take to reach your long-term career objectives is one of the best ways to ensure that you are seen as highly marketable. It will stimulate organizations – even those challenged by poor economic conditions – to see the advantage of hiring you.
1. Be open to interim positions or consulting projects. These will allow you to draw an income, keep your skills fresh and position yourself for prime roles once regular hiring levels return. So-called independent workers now comprise more than 30% of the American work force, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, demonstrating an increased willingness on the part of employers and professionals to consider unconventional working arrangements. With many companies unable to hire full-time employees, highly seasoned project or temporary professional workers are an appealing alternative.
2. Consider posts that are a pay grade or title below your most recent position. You’ll be positioned to exceed expectations and possibly turn the “downgrade” into a dream job later on. This is a particularly relevant strategy at organizations with reputations for promoting from within. By consistently over-performing and demonstrating your value to the company, you will ensure that you are at the top of its shortlist when more prestigious opportunities become available.
3. Be willing to relocate – domestically or even internationally. Look for opportunities that might ultimately keep you on the cutting edge of your field. While demand for talent will certainly rebound world-wide over time, job creation for top professionals may be more robust in emerging economies such as Brazil, Russia, India and China in the near term.
Career success in any type of job market is often as much about perseverance, preparation and timing as it is about talent and passion. Keeping an open mind about the path you take to reach your long-term career objectives is one of the best ways to ensure that you are seen as highly marketable. It will stimulate organizations – even those challenged by poor economic conditions – to see the advantage of hiring you.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Here are six New Year’s job-search resolutions to consider
As the end of the year approaches, we’re all inspired to make life-changing improvements. While you’re reflecting on 2010 and planning for 2011, take some time to think about your job-search strategy and include it in your resolutions.
Here are six New Year’s job-search resolutions to consider:
1. I will build my online presence.
If you’re reluctant about using social media tools for your job search, let go of your fears in 2011. Building an online presence is likely to take your job search to new heights. What do employers see when they do a Google search for your name? Consider starting a blog, uploading your VisualCV, participating in LinkedIn group discussions, and making new connections with like-minded professionals on Twitter. A strong online presence raises your visibility with potential employers and could help you uncover hidden job opportunities.
[See 10 Smart Ways to Use Social Media for Your Job Search.]
2. I will update my resume and personalize my cover letter.
Don’t lose an opportunity to apply for a job because you haven’t updated your resume. The beginning of the year is a wonderful time to reflect on your career accomplishments and future goals—and incorporate them into your resume, cover letter, online profiles and other job-search materials.
Check out the rest on US News and World Report’s On Careers blog: 6 New Year’s Resolution for Job Seekers
Here are six New Year’s job-search resolutions to consider:
1. I will build my online presence.
If you’re reluctant about using social media tools for your job search, let go of your fears in 2011. Building an online presence is likely to take your job search to new heights. What do employers see when they do a Google search for your name? Consider starting a blog, uploading your VisualCV, participating in LinkedIn group discussions, and making new connections with like-minded professionals on Twitter. A strong online presence raises your visibility with potential employers and could help you uncover hidden job opportunities.
[See 10 Smart Ways to Use Social Media for Your Job Search.]
2. I will update my resume and personalize my cover letter.
Don’t lose an opportunity to apply for a job because you haven’t updated your resume. The beginning of the year is a wonderful time to reflect on your career accomplishments and future goals—and incorporate them into your resume, cover letter, online profiles and other job-search materials.
Check out the rest on US News and World Report’s On Careers blog: 6 New Year’s Resolution for Job Seekers
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Use the Holidays as an Ice Breaker
Job seekers often suspend their job search for "the holidays," from early or mid-November through New Year's Day, on the theory that no one is interviewed or hired during that period. It's a big mistake! Employers are STILL hiring during this period (to meet the special needs of the holidays, to prepare for the new year, to replace someone who left, etc.).
Use the Holidays as an Ice Breaker
The common "problem" of "surviving" the year-end holidays can help you establish rapport in an interview. Even if it's just complaining about the holiday crowds or being too busy, discussing the holidays is usually a natural topic. It's also an easy way to break through the awkwardness of meeting someone for the first time in an interview or networking event, and establishing common ground.
Talk About Your Job Hunt or Employment Status at Holiday EventsRecruiter Perspective
Sandra A. MacKay, a Boston-area consulting recruiter, agrees with Dr. Cannon.
Sandra observed that a "significant amount of hiring takes place in last quarter of the year." For example, she was engaged by one client company on September 29 with a goal of filling as many job openings as possible before the end of the year. This is typical of many recruiters and HR staffs during this time of year.
In addition, Sandra recommends continuing your job search, as vigorously as you can during the holiday season, so that you are well-positioned when the traditional January 2nd job market boom begins (and everyone else begins or re-starts their job search).
So:
Don't take the holidays "off." Stay focused on your job search, and you'll land that next great job while everyone else is shopping or not paying attention!
Reach Dr. Cannon, author of "Finding a Job in a Slow Economy," through her Web site the Cannon Career Center. Also, see consulting recruiter Sandra MacKay's articles: "Getting a Recruiter's Attention" and "Getting an Employer's Attention" in Job-Hunt's Online Job Search Guide.
If your friends and extended family don't know that you are looking for a job, let them know, casually, at holiday events. The connections that lead to jobs happen in the unlikeliest places - I've seen people make connections at a funeral that resulted in job offers, even new careers. Use these get togethers as an opportunity to let people know that you are job hunting, and ask if anyone knows someone who works at [whatever employer you want]. If you know someone who works at one of your target employers, contact them directly yourself with a greeting card and/or phone call.
Re-establish Connections
The holidays (all year around, but particularly in November and December) are a great excuse to get back in touch with someone - your former boss(es?) and co-workers, college roommates, high school buddies, people in the house/apartment next door, kid's soccer coach, etc. Think about people whom you genuinely liked but have lost touch with, and track them down using Google, LinkedIn, ZoomInfo, Ziggs, etc. Hopefully, you'll re-establish a relationship that can benefit everyone involved. (Might not be a good idea to track down your high school sweetheart, though...unless you're single.)
If you really know the person well, just call them up. If you don't know them well, send a greeting card - one of the "real" cards, made of paper, put into an envelope with a stamp, and dropped off at the Post Office.
Remind Recruiters of Your Existence
Send a holiday greeting card to that nice recruiter you met back in May or August, or the hiring manager who almost hired you last month or last year. If you don't think they'll remember you (assume they won't), include a brief reminder of your last contact, who you are, and, perhaps, a business card.
Add an Update for Marketing
Include a personal note in your card, perhaps thanking them for their time in the past. If you're feeling bold (what do you have to lose?) include a short, 1 to 3 sentence update on what you've been doing since you last were in contact. The update should contain only "highlights" of the NEW news in your working life and qualifications - contract/volunteer work, education/certifications, publications, and so on -- with a very brief reminder (if needed) of your basic qualifications. You may also want to close with a sentence about getting together for coffee, a drink after work, or whatever is appropriate. Then, follow-up by phone.
Holiday Greetings for the Traditional Holidays
Beat the rush for this holiday season by sending a Happy Thanksgiving card during November. Or, send a Happy New Year card in late December, if you're determined to waste these prime hunting months and compete with everyone else on Jan. 2.
Cards for the obvious holiday (Christmas) are probably appropriate, if you know that the recipient is Christian, but more generic "Happy Holiday" cards are considered safer and more "PC," hopefully covering Kwanzaa and Hanukkah, too. Pick cards for those specific holidays if you know they are appropriate, but be VERY careful not to offend someone with a "wrong" card. Of course, your card will probably be competing with many other similar holiday cards, but not very many from other job seekers.
"Lesser" Holidays = MORE Differentiation!
Your card won't be competing with all the other holiday cards if you pick one of the holidays where sending holiday cards are not a tradition. Ground Hog Day, Lincoln's birthday, and St. Patrick's Day are some good Winter holidays, and you can usually find appropriate greeting cards for those days. Check out the greeting card section of your grocery store next time you do the grocery shopping. You might be surprised at the "holidays" you find. Take advantage of them!
Career Coach Observations
Dr. Jan Cannon, founder of the Cannon Career Center, recommends the holidays as an excellent time to job hunt because:
* Many companies have their budgets for the new year and are recruiting for people to start work in January. So, looking in January is looking too late for jobs at these companies.
* People are generally in a "holiday mood" during this time, even though shopping, vacations, and holiday party schedules may make them more elusive.
* Fewer job seekers try to find jobs during this period, so competition is not as intense, and you will have an easier time standing out from the crowd NOW.
* Holiday events are good networking opportunities.
Use the Holidays as an Ice Breaker
The common "problem" of "surviving" the year-end holidays can help you establish rapport in an interview. Even if it's just complaining about the holiday crowds or being too busy, discussing the holidays is usually a natural topic. It's also an easy way to break through the awkwardness of meeting someone for the first time in an interview or networking event, and establishing common ground.
Talk About Your Job Hunt or Employment Status at Holiday EventsRecruiter Perspective
Sandra A. MacKay, a Boston-area consulting recruiter, agrees with Dr. Cannon.
Sandra observed that a "significant amount of hiring takes place in last quarter of the year." For example, she was engaged by one client company on September 29 with a goal of filling as many job openings as possible before the end of the year. This is typical of many recruiters and HR staffs during this time of year.
In addition, Sandra recommends continuing your job search, as vigorously as you can during the holiday season, so that you are well-positioned when the traditional January 2nd job market boom begins (and everyone else begins or re-starts their job search).
So:
Don't take the holidays "off." Stay focused on your job search, and you'll land that next great job while everyone else is shopping or not paying attention!
Reach Dr. Cannon, author of "Finding a Job in a Slow Economy," through her Web site the Cannon Career Center. Also, see consulting recruiter Sandra MacKay's articles: "Getting a Recruiter's Attention" and "Getting an Employer's Attention" in Job-Hunt's Online Job Search Guide.
If your friends and extended family don't know that you are looking for a job, let them know, casually, at holiday events. The connections that lead to jobs happen in the unlikeliest places - I've seen people make connections at a funeral that resulted in job offers, even new careers. Use these get togethers as an opportunity to let people know that you are job hunting, and ask if anyone knows someone who works at [whatever employer you want]. If you know someone who works at one of your target employers, contact them directly yourself with a greeting card and/or phone call.
Re-establish Connections
The holidays (all year around, but particularly in November and December) are a great excuse to get back in touch with someone - your former boss(es?) and co-workers, college roommates, high school buddies, people in the house/apartment next door, kid's soccer coach, etc. Think about people whom you genuinely liked but have lost touch with, and track them down using Google, LinkedIn, ZoomInfo, Ziggs, etc. Hopefully, you'll re-establish a relationship that can benefit everyone involved. (Might not be a good idea to track down your high school sweetheart, though...unless you're single.)
If you really know the person well, just call them up. If you don't know them well, send a greeting card - one of the "real" cards, made of paper, put into an envelope with a stamp, and dropped off at the Post Office.
Remind Recruiters of Your Existence
Send a holiday greeting card to that nice recruiter you met back in May or August, or the hiring manager who almost hired you last month or last year. If you don't think they'll remember you (assume they won't), include a brief reminder of your last contact, who you are, and, perhaps, a business card.
Add an Update for Marketing
Include a personal note in your card, perhaps thanking them for their time in the past. If you're feeling bold (what do you have to lose?) include a short, 1 to 3 sentence update on what you've been doing since you last were in contact. The update should contain only "highlights" of the NEW news in your working life and qualifications - contract/volunteer work, education/certifications, publications, and so on -- with a very brief reminder (if needed) of your basic qualifications. You may also want to close with a sentence about getting together for coffee, a drink after work, or whatever is appropriate. Then, follow-up by phone.
Holiday Greetings for the Traditional Holidays
Beat the rush for this holiday season by sending a Happy Thanksgiving card during November. Or, send a Happy New Year card in late December, if you're determined to waste these prime hunting months and compete with everyone else on Jan. 2.
Cards for the obvious holiday (Christmas) are probably appropriate, if you know that the recipient is Christian, but more generic "Happy Holiday" cards are considered safer and more "PC," hopefully covering Kwanzaa and Hanukkah, too. Pick cards for those specific holidays if you know they are appropriate, but be VERY careful not to offend someone with a "wrong" card. Of course, your card will probably be competing with many other similar holiday cards, but not very many from other job seekers.
"Lesser" Holidays = MORE Differentiation!
Your card won't be competing with all the other holiday cards if you pick one of the holidays where sending holiday cards are not a tradition. Ground Hog Day, Lincoln's birthday, and St. Patrick's Day are some good Winter holidays, and you can usually find appropriate greeting cards for those days. Check out the greeting card section of your grocery store next time you do the grocery shopping. You might be surprised at the "holidays" you find. Take advantage of them!
Career Coach Observations
Dr. Jan Cannon, founder of the Cannon Career Center, recommends the holidays as an excellent time to job hunt because:
* Many companies have their budgets for the new year and are recruiting for people to start work in January. So, looking in January is looking too late for jobs at these companies.
* People are generally in a "holiday mood" during this time, even though shopping, vacations, and holiday party schedules may make them more elusive.
* Fewer job seekers try to find jobs during this period, so competition is not as intense, and you will have an easier time standing out from the crowd NOW.
* Holiday events are good networking opportunities.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Your brand is your reputation
Your brand is your reputation – the perception of you held by the external world. It is the combination of personal attributes, values, drivers, strengths, and passions you draw from that differentiates your unique promise of value from your peers, and helps those assessing you determine if they should hire you or do business with you.
You need to identify those qualities and characteristics within you and communicate a crystal clear, consistent message across multiple channels – online and offline – designed to resonate with your target audience.
I’d like to take you deeper into defining your brand than I did in my earlier Job-Hunt article, Creating Your Authentic Personal Brand Statement.
I developed the following 10 brand assessment and defining exercises based on my training as a Reach Certified Personal Branding Strategist, and use them as I guide my clients through executive brand development. Be prepared to devote time to this. In the end, I think you'll find your efforts eye-opening and invigorating.
1. What are your vision and purpose?
Look externally at the bigger picture of your vision for the world, and then internally at how you might help the world realize your vision.
Think about one world problem you would like to see solved or one area of life that you want to see transformed or improved. This is your vision.
What role might you play in making your vision happen? This is your purpose.
2. What are your values?
Your values are your guiding principles – things like:
Balance, being the best, agility, calmness, challenge, decisiveness, perseverance, drive, honesty, integrity, pragmatism, sensitivity, structure, teamwork, sharing, vitality, zeal.
3. What are your passions?
What do you most enjoy doing – in your personal life and work life? Think about the activities, interests, or conversational topics that fascinate and energize you. Your passions make you get out of bed at 6 a.m. on a Saturday morning or get you talking enthusiastically with others. How do your passions converge with what you are best at doing?
4. What are your top goals for the next year, 2 years, and 5 years?
Work on projecting what you intend to accomplish so you can put together a strategic action plan to get there.
5. What are your top brand attributes.
What 3 or 4 adjectives best describe the value you offer? What words do you use to define your personality? Once you pinpoint what you feel are the right kinds of words, it’s a good idea to consult a thesaurus to precisely nail the exact words. Here are some possibilities, but don’t limit yourself to these:
Collaborative, resilient, forward-focused, risk-taking, connected, international, visionary, diplomatic, intuitive, precise, enterprising, ethical, genuine, accessible.
6. What are your core strengths or motivated skills?
In what functions and responsibilities do you excel? For what things are you the designated “go-to” person? What gap would your company be faced with if you left suddenly? The possibilities are endless, but here are a few suggestions:
Analyzing, collaborating, leading, delegating, empowering others, forecasting, crunching numbers, anticipating risk, mentoring, visioning, selling, innovating, managing conflict, defining needs, writing, listening, communicating.
7. Get feedback from those who know you best – at work, at home, anywhere.
The true measure of your brand is the reputation others hold of you in their hearts and minds. Notice how they introduce you to others. Ask them what your top brand attributes and core strengths are. How does your self-assessment jibe with their feedback?
The 360° Reach Personal Brand Assessment (http://www.reachcc.com/360reach), a confidential, web-based tool that collects anonymous 360-degree feedback in real time from your choice of respondents, is a good option to accomplish this step and the basic account is free.
8. Do a SWOT analysis (Strengths – Weaknesses – Opportunities – Threats).
Strengths and weaknesses are internal, and speak to your potential value to an employer. Opportunities and threats are external, and help you foresee what you’re facing in next career steps.
SWOT is an invaluable personal branding exercise that also helps prepare you for interviewing and future career growth and stability.
9. Who is your target audience?
Determine where you want to fit in (kind of job position and industry). Learn what decision makers in that field are looking for when they’re assessing candidates. Create your personal brand messaging around what keywords and content will attract them. Find out where those decision makers hang out, position yourself in front of them, and capture their attention.
10. Who is your competition in the marketplace and what differentiates you from them?
What do the people competing for the same jobs as you typically have to offer? What is it about you that makes you the best hiring choice? What added value do you bring to the table that no one else does?
Bottom Line:
The work involved in uncovering and defining your personal brand may seem daunting, but your efforts will benefit you immeasurably. In job search, defining and communicating your personal brand can help pre-qualify you as a good fit and strategically position you to land your next great gig faster.
You need to identify those qualities and characteristics within you and communicate a crystal clear, consistent message across multiple channels – online and offline – designed to resonate with your target audience.
I’d like to take you deeper into defining your brand than I did in my earlier Job-Hunt article, Creating Your Authentic Personal Brand Statement.
I developed the following 10 brand assessment and defining exercises based on my training as a Reach Certified Personal Branding Strategist, and use them as I guide my clients through executive brand development. Be prepared to devote time to this. In the end, I think you'll find your efforts eye-opening and invigorating.
1. What are your vision and purpose?
Look externally at the bigger picture of your vision for the world, and then internally at how you might help the world realize your vision.
Think about one world problem you would like to see solved or one area of life that you want to see transformed or improved. This is your vision.
What role might you play in making your vision happen? This is your purpose.
2. What are your values?
Your values are your guiding principles – things like:
Balance, being the best, agility, calmness, challenge, decisiveness, perseverance, drive, honesty, integrity, pragmatism, sensitivity, structure, teamwork, sharing, vitality, zeal.
3. What are your passions?
What do you most enjoy doing – in your personal life and work life? Think about the activities, interests, or conversational topics that fascinate and energize you. Your passions make you get out of bed at 6 a.m. on a Saturday morning or get you talking enthusiastically with others. How do your passions converge with what you are best at doing?
4. What are your top goals for the next year, 2 years, and 5 years?
Work on projecting what you intend to accomplish so you can put together a strategic action plan to get there.
5. What are your top brand attributes.
What 3 or 4 adjectives best describe the value you offer? What words do you use to define your personality? Once you pinpoint what you feel are the right kinds of words, it’s a good idea to consult a thesaurus to precisely nail the exact words. Here are some possibilities, but don’t limit yourself to these:
Collaborative, resilient, forward-focused, risk-taking, connected, international, visionary, diplomatic, intuitive, precise, enterprising, ethical, genuine, accessible.
6. What are your core strengths or motivated skills?
In what functions and responsibilities do you excel? For what things are you the designated “go-to” person? What gap would your company be faced with if you left suddenly? The possibilities are endless, but here are a few suggestions:
Analyzing, collaborating, leading, delegating, empowering others, forecasting, crunching numbers, anticipating risk, mentoring, visioning, selling, innovating, managing conflict, defining needs, writing, listening, communicating.
7. Get feedback from those who know you best – at work, at home, anywhere.
The true measure of your brand is the reputation others hold of you in their hearts and minds. Notice how they introduce you to others. Ask them what your top brand attributes and core strengths are. How does your self-assessment jibe with their feedback?
The 360° Reach Personal Brand Assessment (http://www.reachcc.com/360reach), a confidential, web-based tool that collects anonymous 360-degree feedback in real time from your choice of respondents, is a good option to accomplish this step and the basic account is free.
8. Do a SWOT analysis (Strengths – Weaknesses – Opportunities – Threats).
Strengths and weaknesses are internal, and speak to your potential value to an employer. Opportunities and threats are external, and help you foresee what you’re facing in next career steps.
SWOT is an invaluable personal branding exercise that also helps prepare you for interviewing and future career growth and stability.
9. Who is your target audience?
Determine where you want to fit in (kind of job position and industry). Learn what decision makers in that field are looking for when they’re assessing candidates. Create your personal brand messaging around what keywords and content will attract them. Find out where those decision makers hang out, position yourself in front of them, and capture their attention.
10. Who is your competition in the marketplace and what differentiates you from them?
What do the people competing for the same jobs as you typically have to offer? What is it about you that makes you the best hiring choice? What added value do you bring to the table that no one else does?
Bottom Line:
The work involved in uncovering and defining your personal brand may seem daunting, but your efforts will benefit you immeasurably. In job search, defining and communicating your personal brand can help pre-qualify you as a good fit and strategically position you to land your next great gig faster.
VISIONING: TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR DAY
VISIONING:
TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR DAY
Visioning is a method used by many to take control of their day. Do you take charge of your day, or is your day taking charge of you?
When you wake up in the mornings, do you know exactly what you want to accomplish, where you are going and how to get there?
If not, you are like many people who have become 'Wanderers'. They get up in the morning and they wander through the day.
They have no real goals. And they are wide open to every stress, worry and frustration that comes along.
Do you find yourself each day, running to catch up, with no time left for yourself? Would you like to enjoy your days more? There's a simple easy way to do this.
3 STEPS TO VISIONING YOUR DAY
First thing in the morning, before you get out of bed:
1.
ESTABLISH THE FEELING YOU WILL CARRY THROUGH YOUR DAY
* Sit up, close your eyes and relax into a 5 minute meditation.
* Let go of all your worries and intentions for that day.
* Breathe.
* Focus on feeling grateful for what you have, who you have in your life, where you are right now.
Be in the moment . . . peaceful . . . happy. . . grateful . . .
You have now established the feeling you will carry through your day.
2.
ORGANIZE YOUR PRIORITIES FOR THE DAY
* List your 7 Highest Priorities
- these are the things you will get done today.
* Have a small notebook to record them.
* Realize that if you do not set up your agenda for your day, someone else will set it up for you.
At the end of each day:
3.
TAKE TIME TO BE GRATEFUL FOR WHAT YOU'VE ACCOMPLISHED
* Feel good about your day.
* If you didn't get to all of your priorities, don't sweat it,
* Put these at the top of tomorrow's list.
DO YOU SEE A TREND?
After a few weeks, notice what the most important things tend to be on your Priority List each day.
* Do these priorities align with your highest values - what you truly believe in your heart?
* Or are you unsure about what you really want?
* You can change that right now. How?
YOUR IRRITATION LIST
At the end of each day, you'll have a list of complaints on how the day went.
* Jot down everything that irritated you.
* You have now noticed what you are not satisfied with in your life.
* You have taken action.
* You have created an Irritation List.
Becoming conscious of what is irritating you allows you to take steps to change it. You can turn this list into a vision of what you'd like to have in your life. Write out the positive version of that list of negatives.
A VISION FOR YOUR LIFE
You now have a Vision For Your Life That Works For You.
Each day revise, change and expand it until it feels just right.
This is the image of your life, that you carry in your heart, into each day.
TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR LIFE NOW
Mornings:
* Focus on the Feeling you want to hold for that day
* List Your 7 Highest Priorities
Evenings:
* Write Your Daily Gratitude List
* Write Your Irritation List
* Revise and Adjust Your Vision
See yourself living the life of your Dreams!
Other Articles On Work Life Balance
* An Easy Time-Management System
* Cultivating the Habit of Praise
* Visioning: Taking Charge of Your Day
* 4 Strategies to Deflect 'Worry' in Your Life
* Becoming a Magnet for Prosperity
* What is 'True Happiness'?
* Book Review: "Happy for No Reason"
* Does Your Work Environment Compliment Your Personality?
* Looking for a Secure Job - You Just May Find it in the Trades
* Key Questions to Ask When Looking for a Best Career Fit
* Encore Careers for Retirees
* Simple as 1,2,3 - A Quick & Easy Method of Career Decision Making
Please visit www.best-career-match.com for more information.
Awesome website with free testing and manuals
TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR DAY
Visioning is a method used by many to take control of their day. Do you take charge of your day, or is your day taking charge of you?
When you wake up in the mornings, do you know exactly what you want to accomplish, where you are going and how to get there?
If not, you are like many people who have become 'Wanderers'. They get up in the morning and they wander through the day.
They have no real goals. And they are wide open to every stress, worry and frustration that comes along.
Do you find yourself each day, running to catch up, with no time left for yourself? Would you like to enjoy your days more? There's a simple easy way to do this.
3 STEPS TO VISIONING YOUR DAY
First thing in the morning, before you get out of bed:
1.
ESTABLISH THE FEELING YOU WILL CARRY THROUGH YOUR DAY
* Sit up, close your eyes and relax into a 5 minute meditation.
* Let go of all your worries and intentions for that day.
* Breathe.
* Focus on feeling grateful for what you have, who you have in your life, where you are right now.
Be in the moment . . . peaceful . . . happy. . . grateful . . .
You have now established the feeling you will carry through your day.
2.
ORGANIZE YOUR PRIORITIES FOR THE DAY
* List your 7 Highest Priorities
- these are the things you will get done today.
* Have a small notebook to record them.
* Realize that if you do not set up your agenda for your day, someone else will set it up for you.
At the end of each day:
3.
TAKE TIME TO BE GRATEFUL FOR WHAT YOU'VE ACCOMPLISHED
* Feel good about your day.
* If you didn't get to all of your priorities, don't sweat it,
* Put these at the top of tomorrow's list.
DO YOU SEE A TREND?
After a few weeks, notice what the most important things tend to be on your Priority List each day.
* Do these priorities align with your highest values - what you truly believe in your heart?
* Or are you unsure about what you really want?
* You can change that right now. How?
YOUR IRRITATION LIST
At the end of each day, you'll have a list of complaints on how the day went.
* Jot down everything that irritated you.
* You have now noticed what you are not satisfied with in your life.
* You have taken action.
* You have created an Irritation List.
Becoming conscious of what is irritating you allows you to take steps to change it. You can turn this list into a vision of what you'd like to have in your life. Write out the positive version of that list of negatives.
A VISION FOR YOUR LIFE
You now have a Vision For Your Life That Works For You.
Each day revise, change and expand it until it feels just right.
This is the image of your life, that you carry in your heart, into each day.
TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR LIFE NOW
Mornings:
* Focus on the Feeling you want to hold for that day
* List Your 7 Highest Priorities
Evenings:
* Write Your Daily Gratitude List
* Write Your Irritation List
* Revise and Adjust Your Vision
See yourself living the life of your Dreams!
Other Articles On Work Life Balance
* An Easy Time-Management System
* Cultivating the Habit of Praise
* Visioning: Taking Charge of Your Day
* 4 Strategies to Deflect 'Worry' in Your Life
* Becoming a Magnet for Prosperity
* What is 'True Happiness'?
* Book Review: "Happy for No Reason"
* Does Your Work Environment Compliment Your Personality?
* Looking for a Secure Job - You Just May Find it in the Trades
* Key Questions to Ask When Looking for a Best Career Fit
* Encore Careers for Retirees
* Simple as 1,2,3 - A Quick & Easy Method of Career Decision Making
Please visit www.best-career-match.com for more information.
Awesome website with free testing and manuals
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Prep Your 30-, 60-, 90-day Business Plan for the Job Interview
Interviewing
Prep Your 30-, 60-, 90-day Business Plan for the Job Interview
Want to land a sales job and start on the right foot? Be ready to explain how you’ll move the numbers in the first months.
August 2, 2010
By Andrew Klappholz
ShareThis
FILED UNDER: Interview Questions, Presentation.
Interviewing
If you work in sales at the manager level or above, you should be prepared to hear the question from a hiring manager on a job interview; he wants to know what your 30-, 60- and 90-day plans are to build a new sales territory, halt a customer exodus or improve revenue. Be ready to deliver your plan and back it with data, said Kathleen Steffey, CEO and founder of Naviga Services, a Tampa, Fla., recruiting and staffing agency that specializes in marketing and sales roles.
“We highly recommend it for candidates, especially in the final stages of the interview,” she said. “It shows them, ‘I’ve thought about this.’ ” In any field where revenue is at stake, if the hiring team sees someone who’s prepared and appears ready to enhance revenue right away, they’ll be more likely to offer that person the job.
Dan, a medical-supplies salesman from the Midwest and a SalesLadder member who asked that his full name not be used, used the tactic to his advantage on a recent job interview for a diagnostic-services company. He said the business plan he put together for his interview showed the hiring manager that he had done his homework and was familiar with the company, its products and the market.
“I did the back research and found out what types of jobs I’ll be going on,” Dan said. “They were mainly concerned about ‘what you can do for me’ in terms of revenue.”
Career Advice from TheLadders
* 10 Good Ways to 'Tell Me About Yourself'
* How Full-Time Parents Can Reclaim a Full-Time Job
* Bringing Networking into Focus
* Why I hired you
Dan provided the potential employer with a detailed account of a sales territory, citing specific numbers of how many doctors and medical groups are in an area; he said his planning not only impressed the hiring manager, but it also prepared him to do the job.
In sales, it takes time to develop contacts and strengthen relationships, so business plans should reflect that maturation as it develops over periods of 30, 60 and 90 days. Dan said his plan was realistic and obtainable – major factors in its effectiveness – “targeting smaller accounts initially and larger ones in the 60- and 90-day period.”
Generic is garbage
The plan doesn’t need to be a 100-page briefing on every factor facing the company’s sales strategy and every data point down to the penny. It can be a simple PowerPoint presentation attached to an e-mail. Nevertheless, you must include a summary that proves you’re capable of making money for the company.
Such presentations are a platform to show the hiring manager how seriously you’re taking the opportunity, Steffey said.
While you can find business-plan templates online, there’s no auto-fill application that allows you to demonstrate your prowess with the click of a button.
Naviga Services’ Steffey stresses that these reports need to be as unique and informative as possible − considering trends and market conditions. The more it speaks to the hiring manager’s needs, the more effective it is, she said.
“It can’t be general. It has to be crafted for the particular employer,” she said. “If it’s general, it’s garbage.”
“That’s a turnoff when they see something generic,” Dan agreed. “If it matches up with their values, that’s what you have to base the business plan around.
Prep Your 30-, 60-, 90-day Business Plan for the Job Interview
Want to land a sales job and start on the right foot? Be ready to explain how you’ll move the numbers in the first months.
August 2, 2010
By Andrew Klappholz
ShareThis
FILED UNDER: Interview Questions, Presentation.
Interviewing
If you work in sales at the manager level or above, you should be prepared to hear the question from a hiring manager on a job interview; he wants to know what your 30-, 60- and 90-day plans are to build a new sales territory, halt a customer exodus or improve revenue. Be ready to deliver your plan and back it with data, said Kathleen Steffey, CEO and founder of Naviga Services, a Tampa, Fla., recruiting and staffing agency that specializes in marketing and sales roles.
“We highly recommend it for candidates, especially in the final stages of the interview,” she said. “It shows them, ‘I’ve thought about this.’ ” In any field where revenue is at stake, if the hiring team sees someone who’s prepared and appears ready to enhance revenue right away, they’ll be more likely to offer that person the job.
Dan, a medical-supplies salesman from the Midwest and a SalesLadder member who asked that his full name not be used, used the tactic to his advantage on a recent job interview for a diagnostic-services company. He said the business plan he put together for his interview showed the hiring manager that he had done his homework and was familiar with the company, its products and the market.
“I did the back research and found out what types of jobs I’ll be going on,” Dan said. “They were mainly concerned about ‘what you can do for me’ in terms of revenue.”
Career Advice from TheLadders
* 10 Good Ways to 'Tell Me About Yourself'
* How Full-Time Parents Can Reclaim a Full-Time Job
* Bringing Networking into Focus
* Why I hired you
Dan provided the potential employer with a detailed account of a sales territory, citing specific numbers of how many doctors and medical groups are in an area; he said his planning not only impressed the hiring manager, but it also prepared him to do the job.
In sales, it takes time to develop contacts and strengthen relationships, so business plans should reflect that maturation as it develops over periods of 30, 60 and 90 days. Dan said his plan was realistic and obtainable – major factors in its effectiveness – “targeting smaller accounts initially and larger ones in the 60- and 90-day period.”
Generic is garbage
The plan doesn’t need to be a 100-page briefing on every factor facing the company’s sales strategy and every data point down to the penny. It can be a simple PowerPoint presentation attached to an e-mail. Nevertheless, you must include a summary that proves you’re capable of making money for the company.
Such presentations are a platform to show the hiring manager how seriously you’re taking the opportunity, Steffey said.
While you can find business-plan templates online, there’s no auto-fill application that allows you to demonstrate your prowess with the click of a button.
Naviga Services’ Steffey stresses that these reports need to be as unique and informative as possible − considering trends and market conditions. The more it speaks to the hiring manager’s needs, the more effective it is, she said.
“It can’t be general. It has to be crafted for the particular employer,” she said. “If it’s general, it’s garbage.”
“That’s a turnoff when they see something generic,” Dan agreed. “If it matches up with their values, that’s what you have to base the business plan around.
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