The Professional’s Job Search Creed 8 of 10

The Professional’s Job Search Creed â€" 8 of 10 This is part of a series where I’ll introduce 10 points of a creed, and comment on them. The series is summarized as we go (see bottom of post) and you can link back to the commentary on any of the 10 in that summary. Eight is the longest, and just as powerful as the others: 8. I will initiate and proactively pursue activities that will put me on the radar screen within my industry and with my targeted companies such as joining and interacting with targeted professional associations and community service groups, and working to get top-level leaders within my targeted industry to know me and know of me. Lets start with the end. within my targeted industry Ron, the guy who put this list together, loves to ask how many targeted companies you have. You can have more than one targeted industry (I couldnt name an industry as Im in I.T. so I was looking at retail, medical, high tech, etc.), but you really should know some target companies that you like. Perhaps you are looking at these companies because they have a great benefits program, or the culture is outstanding, or the company is doing exceptional and you want to be a part of it or maybe it will be safe and comfortable whatever the reason, can you tell me your targeted companies? Hint on this: Ron says 1 is too few, 5+ is too many! Targeting companies means that you narrow it down, and once you have them targeted you can take actions to (a) meet the right people, (b) find the right activities to participate in (ie, conferences, networking meetings where theyll be, (c) study the company, industry, competition, vendors, partners, news, etc. So number eight is all about how to get exposure in these companies and in this industry. How can you do that? Well, you know that Ive been a proponent of blogging to substantiate your personal brand, but it takes time to build the credibility as an expert, especially at the C-level. There are other ways to get on the radar screen, I hope that you can add to this list: Associations There are national, local, regional, college associations, etc. It doesnt have to be an association tied or sponsored directly to the industry or company you could find out if one of your target companies has representatives in other associations and then look into joining and participating in (remember the proactively part in number eight?) those. Service As Seth Godin wrote in the blog carnival the best way to network over the next six weeks is to do NOTHING but help other people. Volunteer at a non profit, pitch in at a startup, create a blog pointing to great companies and great ideas. Help other people 60 hours a week for no other reason other than you’ve got some time and it’s the right thing to do. Why is this a great idea? Because this is where many hiring managers, decision makers and C-level execs are. What a great way to build your network. And the karma has got to be good! Lunches What have you got to lose invite someone to lunch. This someone should be targeted from the company or industry, and you arent there to ask for a job (or make a big deal that that is eventually what you want). You are there to learn about the industry/company, find out who the players are, get advice (everyone loves to give advice, right?), and develop a relationship. You are having lunch with an insider, and you should make the best of it. Hopefully by the end of the lunch you will have some new contacts to pursue, you will have learned some great information from the insider, and you will now be on this persons radar screen as someone that is competent and capable! Consulting This has always been a great way to substantiate who you are, meet decision-makers, learn intimate details about a company, and make some money during the job search. It takes time, and you never want to skimp on your committment, so dont get in over your head (perhaps you should be a consultent, eh?), and dont charge too low (maybe it is appropriate in your special circumstance, but you cant afford to do lots of consulting and charge too low its hard work, and it isnt your primary job (if you are a job seeker)). Newsletters Great way to stay in touch with people, even if they arent sure of who you are. CM Russell has a great example of a newsletter that he used in his job search in his book Ultimate Job Hunting Secrets. Think of this newsletter as a targeted, off-line blog (so keep it heavy on the substance/expertise factor). Articles This is more of a long-term strategy, but Ive found it rather easy to get articles in various magazines. The key is consistency dont hang your laurels on one or two published articles this is part of a long-term strategy, but this goes a long way to establish credibility and could put you on the radar as a big blip. Speaking Not the easiest thing to do but with good networking you may be able to speak at a conference or convention. This is a great thing to have on your resume, and as a speaker you have the opportunity to influence thought change in leaders at the conference. Take advantage of this opportunity to establish and develop relationships with those in attendance. The fact that you were a speaker gives you insta-credibility (just make sure you are well prepared, well rested and your message is on target or else you can ruin that credibility!). These are some of my ideas to get on the radar screen. Again, knowing what radar you want to be on is critical (you should know that by now), but some of these ideas are short-term answers and some of them are long-term answers. Remember, one of my messages is that this is all about career management, so do not neglect the long-term solutions! Running List: I will get a job coach (not my spouse) to hold me accountable for my job search efforts. I will encourange him or her to be honest and indicate that feedback is the greatest gift that I could receive. I will ask for at least weekly contact. (read the post here) I will network for contacts, opportunities and more market knowledge; making at least 10 networking contacts each day and working towards at least 10 interviews each week; with at least five of those with decision makers. (read the post here) I will attend the Professional Career Workshop and attend at least one Professional Networking Group each week. (read the post here) I will define and continually refine my professional brand and unique value-added proposition. (read the post here) I will identify and understand the needs of my target market looking for industry gaps, problems and trends and will target my best prospects within that market. I will do the same for each target company I am pursuing. (read the post here) I will understand and will be able to discuss my leadership style. (read the post here) I will do the homework needed to develop my own unique value-added proposition(s) (to be presented in less than 90 seconds) that are based on the company’s needs and my own talent, skills and abilities. (read the post here) I will initiate and proactively pursue activities that will put me on the radar screen within my industry and with my targeted companies such as joining and interacting with targeted professional associations and community service groups, and working to get top-level leaders within my targeted industry to know me and know of me. (haven’t done yet) (haven’t done yet) The Professional’s Job Search Creed â€" 8 of 10 This is part of a series where I’ll introduce 10 points of a creed, and comment on them. The series is summarized as we go (see bottom of post) and you can link back to the commentary on any of the 10 in that summary. Eight is the longest, and just as powerful as the others: 8. I will initiate and proactively pursue activities that will put me on the radar screen within my industry and with my targeted companies such as joining and interacting with targeted professional associations and community service groups, and working to get top-level leaders within my targeted industry to know me and know of me. Lets start with the end. within my targeted industry Ron, the guy who put this list together, loves to ask how many targeted companies you have. You can have more than one targeted industry (I couldnt name an industry as Im in I.T. so I was looking at retail, medical, high tech, etc.), but you really should know some target companies that you like. Perhaps you are looking at these companies because they have a great benefits program, or the culture is outstanding, or the company is doing exceptional and you want to be a part of it or maybe it will be safe and comfortable whatever the reason, can you tell me your targeted companies? Hint on this: Ron says 1 is too few, 5+ is too many! Targeting companies means that you narrow it down, and once you have them targeted you can take actions to (a) meet the right people, (b) find the right activities to participate in (ie, conferences, networking meetings where theyll be, (c) study the company, industry, competition, vendors, partners, news, etc. So number eight is all about how to get exposure in these companies and in this industry. How can you do that? Well, you know that Ive been a proponent of blogging to substantiate your personal brand, but it takes time to build the credibility as an expert, especially at the C-level. There are other ways to get on the radar screen, I hope that you can add to this list: Associations There are national, local, regional, college associations, etc. It doesnt have to be an association tied or sponsored directly to the industry or company you could find out if one of your target companies has representatives in other associations and then look into joining and participating in (remember the proactively part in number eight?) those. Service As Seth Godin wrote in the blog carnival the best way to network over the next six weeks is to do NOTHING but help other people. Volunteer at a non profit, pitch in at a startup, create a blog pointing to great companies and great ideas. Help other people 60 hours a week for no other reason other than you’ve got some time and it’s the right thing to do. Why is this a great idea? Because this is where many hiring managers, decision makers and C-level execs are. What a great way to build your network. And the karma has got to be good! Lunches What have you got to lose invite someone to lunch. This someone should be targeted from the company or industry, and you arent there to ask for a job (or make a big deal that that is eventually what you want). You are there to learn about the industry/company, find out who the players are, get advice (everyone loves to give advice, right?), and develop a relationship. You are having lunch with an insider, and you should make the best of it. Hopefully by the end of the lunch you will have some new contacts to pursue, you will have learned some great information from the insider, and you will now be on this persons radar screen as someone that is competent and capable! Consulting This has always been a great way to substantiate who you are, meet decision-makers, learn intimate details about a company, and make some money during the job search. It takes time, and you never want to skimp on your committment, so dont get in over your head (perhaps you should be a consultent, eh?), and dont charge too low (maybe it is appropriate in your special circumstance, but you cant afford to do lots of consulting and charge too low its hard work, and it isnt your primary job (if you are a job seeker)). Newsletters Great way to stay in touch with people, even if they arent sure of who you are. CM Russell has a great example of a newsletter that he used in his job search in his book Ultimate Job Hunting Secrets. Think of this newsletter as a targeted, off-line blog (so keep it heavy on the substance/expertise factor). Articles This is more of a long-term strategy, but Ive found it rather easy to get articles in various magazines. The key is consistency dont hang your laurels on one or two published articles this is part of a long-term strategy, but this goes a long way to establish credibility and could put you on the radar as a big blip. Speaking Not the easiest thing to do but with good networking you may be able to speak at a conference or convention. This is a great thing to have on your resume, and as a speaker you have the opportunity to influence thought change in leaders at the conference. Take advantage of this opportunity to establish and develop relationships with those in attendance. The fact that you were a speaker gives you insta-credibility (just make sure you are well prepared, well rested and your message is on target or else you can ruin that credibility!). These are some of my ideas to get on the radar screen. Again, knowing what radar you want to be on is critical (you should know that by now), but some of these ideas are short-term answers and some of them are long-term answers. Remember, one of my messages is that this is all about career management, so do not neglect the long-term solutions! Running List: I will get a job coach (not my spouse) to hold me accountable for my job search efforts. I will encourange him or her to be honest and indicate that feedback is the greatest gift that I could receive. I will ask for at least weekly contact. (read the post here) I will network for contacts, opportunities and more market knowledge; making at least 10 networking contacts each day and working towards at least 10 interviews each week; with at least five of those with decision makers. (read the post here) I will attend the Professional Career Workshop and attend at least one Professional Networking Group each week. (read the post here) I will define and continually refine my professional brand and unique value-added proposition. (read the post here) I will identify and understand the needs of my target market looking for industry gaps, problems and trends and will target my best prospects within that market. I will do the same for each target company I am pursuing. (read the post here) I will understand and will be able to discuss my leadership style. (read the post here) I will do the homework needed to develop my own unique value-added proposition(s) (to be presented in less than 90 seconds) that are based on the company’s needs and my own talent, skills and abilities. (read the post here) I will initiate and proactively pursue activities that will put me on the radar screen within my industry and with my targeted companies such as joining and interacting with targeted professional associations and community service groups, and working to get top-level leaders within my targeted industry to know me and know of me. (haven’t done yet) (haven’t done yet) The Professional’s Job Search Creed â€" 8 of 10 This is part of a series where I’ll introduce 10 points of a creed, and comment on them. The series is summarized as we go (see bottom of post) and you can link back to the commentary on any of the 10 in that summary. Eight is the longest, and just as powerful as the others: 8. I will initiate and proactively pursue activities that will put me on the radar screen within my industry and with my targeted companies such as joining and interacting with targeted professional associations and community service groups, and working to get top-level leaders within my targeted industry to know me and know of me. Lets start with the end. within my targeted industry Ron, the guy who put this list together, loves to ask how many targeted companies you have. You can have more than one targeted industry (I couldnt name an industry as Im in I.T. so I was looking at retail, medical, high tech, etc.), but you really should know some target companies that you like. Perhaps you are looking at these companies because they have a great benefits program, or the culture is outstanding, or the company is doing exceptional and you want to be a part of it or maybe it will be safe and comfortable whatever the reason, can you tell me your targeted companies? Hint on this: Ron says 1 is too few, 5+ is too many! Targeting companies means that you narrow it down, and once you have them targeted you can take actions to (a) meet the right people, (b) find the right activities to participate in (ie, conferences, networking meetings where theyll be, (c) study the company, industry, competition, vendors, partners, news, etc. So number eight is all about how to get exposure in these companies and in this industry. How can you do that? Well, you know that Ive been a proponent of blogging to substantiate your personal brand, but it takes time to build the credibility as an expert, especially at the C-level. There are other ways to get on the radar screen, I hope that you can add to this list: Associations There are national, local, regional, college associations, etc. It doesnt have to be an association tied or sponsored directly to the industry or company you could find out if one of your target companies has representatives in other associations and then look into joining and participating in (remember the proactively part in number eight?) those. Service As Seth Godin wrote in the blog carnival the best way to network over the next six weeks is to do NOTHING but help other people. Volunteer at a non profit, pitch in at a startup, create a blog pointing to great companies and great ideas. Help other people 60 hours a week for no other reason other than you’ve got some time and it’s the right thing to do. Why is this a great idea? Because this is where many hiring managers, decision makers and C-level execs are. What a great way to build your network. And the karma has got to be good! Lunches What have you got to lose invite someone to lunch. This someone should be targeted from the company or industry, and you arent there to ask for a job (or make a big deal that that is eventually what you want). You are there to learn about the industry/company, find out who the players are, get advice (everyone loves to give advice, right?), and develop a relationship. You are having lunch with an insider, and you should make the best of it. Hopefully by the end of the lunch you will have some new contacts to pursue, you will have learned some great information from the insider, and you will now be on this persons radar screen as someone that is competent and capable! Consulting This has always been a great way to substantiate who you are, meet decision-makers, learn intimate details about a company, and make some money during the job search. It takes time, and you never want to skimp on your committment, so dont get in over your head (perhaps you should be a consultent, eh?), and dont charge too low (maybe it is appropriate in your special circumstance, but you cant afford to do lots of consulting and charge too low its hard work, and it isnt your primary job (if you are a job seeker)). Newsletters Great way to stay in touch with people, even if they arent sure of who you are. CM Russell has a great example of a newsletter that he used in his job search in his book Ultimate Job Hunting Secrets. Think of this newsletter as a targeted, off-line blog (so keep it heavy on the substance/expertise factor). Articles This is more of a long-term strategy, but Ive found it rather easy to get articles in various magazines. The key is consistency dont hang your laurels on one or two published articles this is part of a long-term strategy, but this goes a long way to establish credibility and could put you on the radar as a big blip. Speaking Not the easiest thing to do but with good networking you may be able to speak at a conference or convention. This is a great thing to have on your resume, and as a speaker you have the opportunity to influence thought change in leaders at the conference. Take advantage of this opportunity to establish and develop relationships with those in attendance. The fact that you were a speaker gives you insta-credibility (just make sure you are well prepared, well rested and your message is on target or else you can ruin that credibility!). These are some of my ideas to get on the radar screen. Again, knowing what radar you want to be on is critical (you should know that by now), but some of these ideas are short-term answers and some of them are long-term answers. Remember, one of my messages is that this is all about career management, so do not neglect the long-term solutions! Running List: I will get a job coach (not my spouse) to hold me accountable for my job search efforts. I will encourange him or her to be honest and indicate that feedback is the greatest gift that I could receive. I will ask for at least weekly contact. (read the post here) I will network for contacts, opportunities and more market knowledge; making at least 10 networking contacts each day and working towards at least 10 interviews each week; with at least five of those with decision makers. (read the post here) I will attend the Professional Career Workshop and attend at least one Professional Networking Group each week. (read the post here) I will define and continually refine my professional brand and unique value-added proposition. (read the post here) I will identify and understand the needs of my target market looking for industry gaps, problems and trends and will target my best prospects within that market. I will do the same for each target company I am pursuing. (read the post here) I will understand and will be able to discuss my leadership style. (read the post here) I will do the homework needed to develop my own unique value-added proposition(s) (to be presented in less than 90 seconds) that are based on the company’s needs and my own talent, skills and abilities. (read the post here) I will initiate and proactively pursue activities that will put me on the radar screen within my industry and with my targeted companies such as joining and interacting with targeted professional associations and community service groups, and working to get top-level leaders within my targeted industry to know me and know of me. (haven’t done yet) (haven’t done yet) The Professional’s Job Search Creed â€" 8 of 10 This is part of a series where I’ll introduce 10 points of a creed, and comment on them. The series is summarized as we go (see bottom of post) and you can link back to the commentary on any of the 10 in that summary. Eight is the longest, and just as powerful as the others: 8. I will initiate and proactively pursue activities that will put me on the radar screen within my industry and with my targeted companies such as joining and interacting with targeted professional associations and community service groups, and working to get top-level leaders within my targeted industry to know me and know of me. Lets start with the end. within my targeted industry Ron, the guy who put this list together, loves to ask how many targeted companies you have. You can have more than one targeted industry (I couldnt name an industry as Im in I.T. so I was looking at retail, medical, high tech, etc.), but you really should know some target companies that you like. Perhaps you are looking at these companies because they have a great benefits program, or the culture is outstanding, or the company is doing exceptional and you want to be a part of it or maybe it will be safe and comfortable whatever the reason, can you tell me your targeted companies? Hint on this: Ron says 1 is too few, 5+ is too many! Targeting companies means that you narrow it down, and once you have them targeted you can take actions to (a) meet the right people, (b) find the right activities to participate in (ie, conferences, networking meetings where theyll be, (c) study the company, industry, competition, vendors, partners, news, etc. So number eight is all about how to get exposure in these companies and in this industry. How can you do that? Well, you know that Ive been a proponent of blogging to substantiate your personal brand, but it takes time to build the credibility as an expert, especially at the C-level. There are other ways to get on the radar screen, I hope that you can add to this list: Associations There are national, local, regional, college associations, etc. It doesnt have to be an association tied or sponsored directly to the industry or company you could find out if one of your target companies has representatives in other associations and then look into joining and participating in (remember the proactively part in number eight?) those. Service As Seth Godin wrote in the blog carnival the best way to network over the next six weeks is to do NOTHING but help other people. Volunteer at a non profit, pitch in at a startup, create a blog pointing to great companies and great ideas. Help other people 60 hours a week for no other reason other than you’ve got some time and it’s the right thing to do. Why is this a great idea? Because this is where many hiring managers, decision makers and C-level execs are. What a great way to build your network. And the karma has got to be good! Lunches What have you got to lose invite someone to lunch. This someone should be targeted from the company or industry, and you arent there to ask for a job (or make a big deal that that is eventually what you want). You are there to learn about the industry/company, find out who the players are, get advice (everyone loves to give advice, right?), and develop a relationship. You are having lunch with an insider, and you should make the best of it. Hopefully by the end of the lunch you will have some new contacts to pursue, you will have learned some great information from the insider, and you will now be on this persons radar screen as someone that is competent and capable! Consulting This has always been a great way to substantiate who you are, meet decision-makers, learn intimate details about a company, and make some money during the job search. It takes time, and you never want to skimp on your committment, so dont get in over your head (perhaps you should be a consultent, eh?), and dont charge too low (maybe it is appropriate in your special circumstance, but you cant afford to do lots of consulting and charge too low its hard work, and it isnt your primary job (if you are a job seeker)). Newsletters Great way to stay in touch with people, even if they arent sure of who you are. CM Russell has a great example of a newsletter that he used in his job search in his book Ultimate Job Hunting Secrets. Think of this newsletter as a targeted, off-line blog (so keep it heavy on the substance/expertise factor). Articles This is more of a long-term strategy, but Ive found it rather easy to get articles in various magazines. The key is consistency dont hang your laurels on one or two published articles this is part of a long-term strategy, but this goes a long way to establish credibility and could put you on the radar as a big blip. Speaking Not the easiest thing to do but with good networking you may be able to speak at a conference or convention. This is a great thing to have on your resume, and as a speaker you have the opportunity to influence thought change in leaders at the conference. Take advantage of this opportunity to establish and develop relationships with those in attendance. The fact that you were a speaker gives you insta-credibility (just make sure you are well prepared, well rested and your message is on target or else you can ruin that credibility!). These are some of my ideas to get on the radar screen. Again, knowing what radar you want to be on is critical (you should know that by now), but some of these ideas are short-term answers and some of them are long-term answers. Remember, one of my messages is that this is all about career management, so do not neglect the long-term solutions! Running List: I will get a job coach (not my spouse) to hold me accountable for my job search efforts. I will encourange him or her to be honest and indicate that feedback is the greatest gift that I could receive. I will ask for at least weekly contact. (read the post here) I will network for contacts, opportunities and more market knowledge; making at least 10 networking contacts each day and working towards at least 10 interviews each week; with at least five of those with decision makers. (read the post here) I will attend the Professional Career Workshop and attend at least one Professional Networking Group each week. (read the post here) I will define and continually refine my professional brand and unique value-added proposition. (read the post here) I will identify and understand the needs of my target market looking for industry gaps, problems and trends and will target my best prospects within that market. I will do the same for each target company I am pursuing. (read the post here) I will understand and will be able to discuss my leadership style. (read the post here) I will do the homework needed to develop my own unique value-added proposition(s) (to be presented in less than 90 seconds) that are based on the company’s needs and my own talent, skills and abilities. (read the post here) I will initiate and proactively pursue activities that will put me on the radar screen within my industry and with my targeted companies such as joining and interacting with targeted professional associations and community service groups, and working to get top-level leaders within my targeted industry to know me and know of me. (haven’t done yet) (haven’t done yet)

Resume Writing - Best Tips For a Successful Resume

Resume Writing - Best Tips For a Successful ResumeUMD is the umbrella term for many different types of qualifications. There are university degrees, associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees.You may have a degree in architecture, but you may not be in any graduate programs for architecture. So, the best way to be certain is to check with a school or university and see if they recognize you. If they do, then you will have no trouble at all getting your resume written.A particular graduate program may specialize in certain fields or areas. So, you will need to contact the department directly and find out what they are looking for in resumes. This can save you a lot of time in writing a perfect resume.Once you have a particular area in mind, it is time to consult with a grad school career counselor. The counselor will give you suggestions as to how to write a successful resume. This will be an individualized resume, which will require some trial and error. They will probably come up with a short list of potential names to include on your resume.Don't hesitate to contact their office to ask them more questions. They will be able to tell you exactly what is needed to get you on your way to becoming a doctor, lawyer, or engineer.After that, sit down and determine your educational background and work experience. You should list those things you have accomplished in order of importance. Try to list things that will bring you in close contact with a variety of different people.Also, take into consideration any recommendations from past employers that you may have. This is very important, because it shows that you can adapt to changes in the job field.Finally, you should put your own name on the cover page of your resume. But this should not be your only name. You should put someone else's name on the first page, to keep it clean.

Ways to Deal With Nervous Tics in Job Interviews

Ways to Deal With Nervous Tics in Job Interviews Job interviews can be stressful situations. At times, this stress and fear manifests itself in the form of visible nervous twitches known as “tics”. Before you know it, the job interview question you were nervous about answering has now led to facial muscles visibly twitching, teeth grinding, hands shaking, or you start a nervous habit of playing with your hair. The interview becomes too much to handle.You know they can see it. But this has nothing to do with your ability to perform the job at hand. And you see or feel it happening, so what is the best way to address it?We offer some ways to deal with nervous tics in job interviews.Preparation Is KeyThe most powerful way to liberate yourself from fear and anxiety is with preparation. By nature, humans are most nervous when they do not know something. People fear the dark, change, feeling embarrassed and in this case...losing out on a job opportunity.The best ways to reduce or eliminate fear and nervous tics is with preparation fo r answering interview questions, explaining your experience, choosing the right clothes and properly researching the company. Very few people in this world can “wing it” and do a great job.The more you are prepared, the more confident you will be. And that will reduce or eliminate nervous tics.Arrive Early and RelaxIf you fear things like “being late” or unfamiliar surroundings, a great way to avoid the nervous tics involved is by arriving early to get comfortable with the surroundings. You do not want to arrive too early and become an inconvenience.But getting to an interview early enough will give you time for your nerves to settle down. By the time you get into the interview, your nerves will no longer be a factor. Treat the Interview Like a Friendly ConversationTypically, two friends having a conversation about hobbies, sports, or activities will not cause nervous tics. Essentially, you are “talking shop” ie. talking about what you love and know best. You are not ner vous because you feel comfortable just having a conversation. There are no perceived consequences as a result of your conversation.So, treat your job interview the same way. “Talk shop” with the hiring managers about what you know, why you are right for the job and answer their questions like a person who belongs on the team.This may require you almost tricking your mind into thinking about the “conversation” and not “the consequences of messing up interview questions”.Breathe and Take Your TimeAnxiety, stress or fear usually accompanies shallow breathing. Breathing normally and taking your time allows the mind to slow down and regain the perspective that ‘every little thing's gonna be alright’. Breathing properly, as a person who is not nervous, offers the following benefits for job interviews:Lowers blood pressure, which helps you stay more relaxed. Brings your nervous system to a state of equilibrium, lowering stress levels. The oxygen flows more easily to the bra in, helping you think clearly.It sounds like such a small thing but if you ever find yourself getting nervous, just stop for a moment and take a deep breath. It will do wonders for your job interview. You can even try this the night before an interview to practice.If You Know It Is Really Bad...Be Honest About ItSadly, there are times when the nervous tics become so obvious that it begins to make the interview awkward, or in some cases, the people interviewing you become concerned.If you have nervous tics that can be quite obvious and you are aware it makes others feel awkward, the best thing to do is be honest with others about it. Let them know what is happening and many times it will be an icebreaker that helps stop the nervous tics. You can then turn the interview around in your favor.In the EndThe hiring manager will do one of the following:See your honesty and confidence as a sign of strength. Assume this interview and the nervous tics are a warning of things to come.Be honest with yourself. Some nervous tics are actually the result of diagnosed chronic conditions. And some are the result of poor preparation for job interviews and personal issues.The more honest you are with yourself about the reason for nervous tic, the faster you will gain control over them and not allow them to dictate your success in job interviews. You may even find it is simply time to find a new, low-stress job or career.

3 Qualities to Embrace to Improve Results - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

3 Qualities to Embrace to Improve Results - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career The desire to improve results is alive for most people. It’s the only way in which we and our business grow. The three qualities listed below may sound simple enough, but the implications and detail are what will make the difference. To be brief, the three qualities to be given serious consideration are: Flexibility Insightfulness Patience Flexibility By demonstrating an easy-to-work-with nature, you provide a very compelling reason for people to buy from you. Even on initial conversations, it becomes evident whether the investment of time and money with you will add value to what is already in place. Insightfulness Businesspeople who smile as they speak, and who are inquisitive to learn more about their prospect client, reflect the easy to work with model. This is particularly true for those who admit they do not understand a term used, and ask for clarification. Integrity speaks loud and clear. Dealing with Roadblocks In most cases however, business is not straight forward. Detours occur. It is up to each of us to find where the fork in the road occurred and how to best deal with the detour or delay. These detours are easier to deal with when you encourage the person on the other side  of the table to also smile while finding the right solution. Improved results begin with flexibility and patience that sharpen insight and larger sales Examples Meetings are frequently in need of being postponed with the reason that “life happens”. The best route is to kindly agree, and quickly find another day and time. Likewise, expect others to operate similarly. Unfortunately, not everyone operates with flexibility. Do not allow others to make you feel guilty. The only thing to be felt in this regard is that this was the wrong person with whom to spend time.  Be grateful that the agreed upon date fell apart. Flexibility is the foundation for easy negotiation and building of sales. When we are willing to embrace flexibility, our listening skills sharpen and negotiation is no longer feared. Our reward becomes that  the sales process appears to have been simplified. Patience How would you rate yourself on the patience scale? To find success, it’s necessary to delve into many aspects of the one thing you are trying to accomplish. Merely trying to distinguish yourself in a crowded field requires introspection and education. And then comes the fun of experimenting with trial and error. Sales Tips: Review all of your habits involved with responding to special requests and critique. Adjust your responses as necessary, today. Advise employees of improved approaches. Train those you employ on relaxed methods of conversation and negotiation. Determine ahead where issues may reside to avoid problems. Prior to offering a solution, ask the other party how they see a fix. Find agreement with the suggested fix. Patience in business encourages  sales. Flexibility and patience will allow you and your brand to stand out. Sales and negotiation will soon  appear to be a natural flow of events. These insights  will lead you to  the  Smooth Sale!

How to Write a Resume That Can Stand Out

How to Write a Resume That Can Stand OutIf you want to write a resume for your job search, there are many great methods and tips for writing a well-written resume. One method that is very useful for people who have no experience in writing resumes is the library.Resume writing can be very overwhelming if you do not know where to start. With a little patience and help from the local library, you can get an idea of what you need to say in your resume. This can make the difference between getting hired and getting passed over for a job you really want.The Silver Spring Public Library has a great program called 'Room to Write'. This program gives members a personal computer with internet access. They also get free public library books. This is a great way to get some practice at resume writing and to improve the skills you need to write a good one.When you are ready to write your resume, look for a job posting in the local newspaper. You can search online by going to the Public Library w ebsite. You can ask them if they have any job vacancies posted.You must apply for a library card. There are certain guidelines you must follow to keep the library card, such as asking for identification when entering the building, and respecting the rules for the library. But, you will enjoy the library anyway, so there is no reason not to use it to practice resume writing.Once you have your library card, you should go to the library regularly to use its computer stations. There are several basic skills you will want to have when writing a resume. Having a computer at the library is a great tool for practice.For example, you will want to know how to format your resume, make sure your book's text is legible, and have it formatted so that it appears nice on the screen. You will also want to learn how to use Microsoft Word so that you can write your resume easily. This way, you can see how professional your resume looks when you get the employer's attention.Resume writing is something you should not ignore. It can be used to improve your future career or job prospects. Use the library to get practice, and let your resume stand out.

Why We Decided to Hire A Doula - Cubicle Chic

Our Birth Story // Why We Decided to Hire A Doula - Cubicle Chic Our Birth Story // Why We Decided to Hire A Doula Pregnancy January 11, 2019 1 CommentIt’s a kind of love I never knew was possible. How could I though? I simply wasn’t capable. I wasn’t capable until Sophia was born about 8 weeks ago…    As expected, new parent life hasn’t been all peaches and cream, and those of you who are veteran parents are probably nodding your head now. But it’s been an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything else. You see, I expected a lot of the bad. But what I couldn’t anticipate was the love and affection that would emerge and how it would carry us through the long and late nights, the 5th diaper change in a row, and the pain associated with postpartum recovery and breastfeeding.  Now, in typical Cubicle Chic fashion, I am here to share some DETAILS of what transpired 8 weeks ago. Also, I want to talk a little bit about why we decided to hire a doula and how that changed our labor and delivery experience for the better, especially when we compare stories with friends. If you are consideri ng to hire a doula, read on!Why We Decided To Hire A DoulaI knew pretty early in my pregnancy that I was going to hire a doula. I’ve had friends that gave birth with the help of a doula, I’ve also read many books (one of them being my favorite pregnancy book, Your Pregnancy Your Way) that recommend having a doula. My personal philosophy is that if you can pay to have an expert walk with you as you go through something new and difficult, why wouldn’t you? People hire personal trainers to get fit, life coaches to live better… doulas are essentially birth coaches and I definitely wanted a coach with me as I embark on the labor and delivery journey. I browsed on www.DoulaMatch.net for a good while and interviewed 4 doulas before I decided to work with Christal Quick (Radiant Heart Doula Services). We felt that Christal had the right mix of flexibility and confidence when it comes to the way a doula would add to a family’s birth experience. She has a very empathetic and underst anding vibe about her but it was also clear that she’s an experienced expert, and would be able to provide unwavering advice in times of need. But all in all, I would summarize our reasons we hired a doula as follows: Pain Management: I wanted to labor naturally for as long as I could. This meant that I’d be dealing with contractions with no pain management for as long as I could. During our consultation, Christal talked about a variety of methods to help the laboring woman cope with the contraction pains. During labor, Christal would apply counter pressure to my pelvis whenever a contraction would take place. She also taught my husband how to do the same thing so they could alternate.Your Labor and Delivery Advocate: If I learned anything from all the pregnancy books I read, it’s that the birthing process is unpredictable. Every woman’s physiology, medical history, and pregnancy is different and therefore the best way to prepare for it is simply to be open minded. Througho ut your hospital stay all the way until you are discharged, you and your partner may have to make medical decisions that will affect you or your baby. Having an experienced birthing coach by your side when you are speaking with medical professionals may give you a bit more peace of mind. For example, when I finally got to 9 and 3/4 centimeters dilated, the midwife on shift was very enthusiastically suggesting that I started pushing. She made the suggestion to us. Christal, as well as the nurse on shift, said we will think about it… then the midwife left the room. Both my nurse and Christal thought that it wasn’t time to push yet and that I should labor down until I was 10 centimeters dilated. The reason is that sometimes if you push while your cervix isn’t completely open, the baby could rip through part of the cervix that’s in the way (*shudders*). So, at their suggestion, I “labored down”   until I was fully dilated, then I began pushing.Support For The Husband: This w asn’t something we had thought about previously, but turned out to be a critical role that Christal played. Labor is a long process, especially for first-time moms. But as hard as it was on for me, my husband was there every step of the way. In the beginning, before my real contractions set in, we were chit-chatting, watching shows on my laptop, just having a chill time (around the time this photo was taken). But as soon as contractions start and after Christal arrived, there was no rest for my husband… he and Christal were alternating to provide counter-pressure for me, and let me tell you… it’s a full-on arm and back workout! It was around 3 AM when I got my epidural, after which I quickly fell asleep. My poor husband stayed awake the whole time, because he’s a light sleeper and there were nurses/other medical professionals coming in and out of the room to check on me and also the hospital guest bed is CRAP. Thank goodness we had Christal that could come and stay with me while my husband could go out and get a cup of coffee and some food. One time when my husband was away (out of the hospital actually) getting food, I started vomiting. There was no one in the room but Christal, so if it wasn’t for her, I would’ve vomited all over myself! Our Birth StoryOK, let’s rewind to the beginning of this labor and delivery journey… I was past 40 weeks pregnant and running out of my last bit of patience. Starting around 36-37 weeks, I was having regular Braxton Hicks contractions (aka “practice” contractions that entail tightening of the abdomen but no pain). I felt like my body had been priming itself for a long time. But baby Sophia apparently didn’t agree with that. I had my membrane swept at 40 weeks and 1 day to hopefully speed up the onset of labor… it was NOT a pleasant experience. Actually, I would describe it as pretty traumatizing even compared to giving birth because the membrane sweeping was done without anesthetics. I googled and googled and most people seem to have no problem with their membrane sweeping experience. But mine turned out pretty painful and traumatizing. And it didn’t trigger labor…  On top of that, I was eating spicy food, doing squats, talking multiple walks outside, and taking castor oil. Nothing triggered real contractions. And all the while, my Braxton Hicks continued.The day before my last OB appointment (40 weeks and 5 days), I had a few micro-gushes of fluids down there. I thought maybe it was my water breaking, but since I didn’t have any other symptoms associated with water breaking (continuous leak of fluid and/or the onset of real contractions), I didn’t think much. The next day in the Dr’s office, I was undressed from the waist down sitting on the exam bed/table when I realized my water definitely broke. Because after just a few minutes sitting on the little doggy pad, I had a puddle underneath me… a puddle of clear, odorless fluid like they describe amniotic fluid to be! And of course, my doctor confirmed it. It was Tuesday at 11:30 AM, and by 1 PM, I was settled into my labor and delivery room, where the  most life-changing event in my life would take place.What transpired next was a long and arduous 25 hours of labor. It started with me being induced with an oral dose of Cytotec. I was a bit over 1 centimeter dilated when I was checked in, and it took 3 doses of Cytotec, a dose of Pitocin, and 20 hours to finally get to 9 and 3/4 (I know… the platform to get to Hogwarts!) centimeters. It was a long process, to say the least, not to mention I vomited about 5 times during this time which I mistakenly thought was a reaction to the epidural I got. Upon confirming with the anesthesiologist, it turned out that it’s just part of the birthing process, and that some women just throw up, *insert palms up + shrugging emoji*. I spent the last hour of labor “laboring down”. In case you’re wondering what it means, here’s a good definition and e xplanation on why you should labor down. During my last vaginal check, the nurse confirmed I was 10 centimeters dilated, and that I was given the “go” to start pushing. Earlier that day, at around the 20th hour of my labor process, I was joking with the nurses saying “watch me push this baby out in 10 minutes” because I was so frustrated with the long labor. Well, I actually kind of did it! It took me 10 minutes of 2 or 3 pushes until the nurse was telling me to stop because the baby was crowning! I was told I am a phenomenal pusher. At this time, the nurse asked if I wanted to touch the baby’s head and I hesitantly said yes. And I reached down there and I felt the top of her head with lots of hair!! It was an incredible experience (also incredibly weird/gross feeling?!).   The OB on shift was still tending to another patient when this was going on, so the nurse told me to stop a while and wait for the OB to come. The waiting took another 5 minutes… and finally, the OB a rrived, scrubbed in, and 2 more pushes… Sophia was born! The AftermathThe moment they pulled this purple, slimy, slightly alien-looking being out of me and placed her on my chest, I couldn’t help but break into years. I was sobbing. It was tears of shock, wonder, and joy and other inexplicable emotions. Shock because, honestly, it does not matter how many birth videos you watch, when it happens and you’re in the midst of it all, it’s a new experience in every way possible. Wonder because I was instantly in love, SO MUCH in love… I could never in a million years imagine the way I felt the moment I saw her. Joy because she seemed so perfect and so perfectly healthy; she came out with lots of hair, a loud cry, and clean/clear skin. We could not ask for a more perfect baby.The hours that followed the birth of Sophia were a bit hazy in my memory. Not because I was drugged up, but because I was intoxicated with a sense of wonder. When I recall everything that happened, these memories all have a dream-like quality associated with them. Two or three hours after Sophia was born, we were moved into a recovery room where we spent the next 48 hours. It was a tough 48 hours with a lot of difficulties and not a lot of sleep. We fumbled through our first diaper changes, struggled with breastfeeding, fought extreme fatigue and all the while had some families that came over to visit. They always recommend new parents to decline visitation from friends and family during this time, but we could barely wait to show her off and share our excitement. During this stay, Sophia also was pre-emptively prescribed phototherapy for jaundice because her bilirubin level was borderline. She never crossed the threshold to be diagnosed as having jaundice so we were grateful. She was and continues to be a very cooperative, easy-going and mild-temper baby.The New Chapter Of Our LivesSo, it’s been almost 2 months and she continues to wow us every day. She just started to smile at u s when she sees us last week! To say that we are smitten in love would be an understatement. Now, in my next post, I will discuss some of the rather surprising details about my postpartum recovery… so stay tuned!Professional Photography by Geena Crawford Photography, her Yelp page

Just Say No to Corporate Speak

Just Say No to Corporate Speak Scot Herrick  of  Cube Rules  recently commented on my blog about his distaste for corporate speak on resumes and that got me thinking about where much of this corporate speak originatesfrom job postings. So I took a quick tour of  Simply Hired, a job aggregate board, to review the different styles of job postings. The first excerpt is from a posting for an operations professional; the second is for a program manager professional. Which one do you think is easier to understand and which place do you think sounds like a more authentic place to work?    Responsibility to facilitate, develop and implement initiatives across the team that will result in a well organized, well structured execution of activities. Responsible for ensuring capability within a commercialization project to meet the customer demand fulfillment ramp plan in Manufacturing. Responsible for the delivery of robust and capable equipment, process and production lines to the Manufacturing Operations function. Ensure th at there are clear deliverables in all interaction with the SBUs.  Or  You will have experience as a Lead Program Manager managing other producers. Passion for and knowledge of games. The first requirement is to love video games. The second is to understand what makes a great video game. Strong cross-team communication skills.  You can talk to creatives (e.g. artists and game designers), technical people (e.g. programmers), and non-technical people (e.g. PR and Marketing) alike. Deal with ambiguity. There is no instruction manual on how to be a great PM. Exceptional organizational skills. Your never let anything fall through the cracks. You are clear, concise, and specific. When you participate in a meeting, you clarify, capture and follow up on all action items.I vote for the program manager job. Its time for hiring authorities to cut to the chase when writing job specs. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Write in plain English. You may just find that you are more successful at finding the right match for your open positions.