September 6th, 2008
The other night I was watching the festivities at the Republican National Convention and something that one of the speakers said really brought home the importance of having a great resume.
“Imagine that you have both candidates resumes’ and the names and party affliliations are blacked out. Suppose that all you had to go on was experience? Who would you give the job to?”
Granted, most job interviews are not really much like the presidential campaign and in this particular election, it could be really dangerous to only go on experience, but it does illustrate a great point.
The hiring manager does not know you. There are no commercials about you or news people following you around reporting on your every move and making bold predictions about how good or bad a job you’ll do. All you’ve got is your resume to represent you. If you do not set yourself apart from the other candidates, you getting that job will be a longshot.
The other thing I heard while watching the GOP convention was Dennis Miller talking about bloggers. “They are people with absolutely no talent who think they are special for some reason.” Hey Dennis - you’d better be glad this is a G rated blog ;)
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By Gina -- 0 comments
September 5th, 2008
As the Republican National Convention comes to a close tonight, the thought the runs through my mind is how we as hiring managers (citizens of the United States), will determine the best candidate for the job of President/Vice President of the United States. Is it a popularity contest? I fear that we may be moving more in that direction, than truly evaluating the skills and abilities of each ticket and determining which one will truly move this country in a new direction.When I evaluate the transformation of this country since the first time I voted, back in the 80’s there has been a steady decline of family values, integrity, leadership, and focus. When I was growing up, the definintion of marriage was not in question. Playing to win, was the M.O. of our country. We ALWAYS played to win. From the playing field of our high school football teams to the board rooms and war rooms, we never tossed in our hat and quit. The competitive spirit was ingrained in me from conception. How did we move from questioning the sanctity of life to destroying millions upon millions of babies - our next generation. We destroy our babies by pulling them from the safest place God could find - the womb of a mother. How is it that we debate the sanctity of life? If our parents made decisions as we do, most of us may not be here. Have you ever considered that?Do we need change in our great country - YES! There is no doubt and there is no debate. We need change. We need to take 
care of all people better. From babies in the womb to homeless men and women, to middle class america, to the unemployed and the list goes on. We have a responsibility to do better as a country for the people of this country. Popularity contest won’t get us there. I urge you as a hiring manager - a US citizen, to step back from the “pomp and circumstance” of the political rhetoric, and begin to re-evaluate how we got to this place. It has more to do with the decisions of many of our previous “leaders” and our apathy as citizens. Rather than holding “leaders” accountable for poor decisions, poor integrity, compromising standards, we have allowed ourselves to move into uncertain times in our history. We will never be able to predict our tomorrows, but our decisions today, our decision on November 4, 2008 will determine the future we live in for generations to come. I remember when job security existed in America. I remember learning about the balance of powers in our government model here in America. I remember when my neighbors were accountable for every child in the community. I remember when the job market was healthy, when gas prices were low, when company leaders operated from integrity. I remember…My point - my only point for writing this post is to challenge you as a hiring manager to look beyond the exterior packaging of each candidate and their running mate. Dig a little deeper. Our future is counting on us as voters today to make the best decision for the future of this nation. If we make the wrong decision out of fear or we make the wrong decision out of apathy, if we make the wrong decision because of gender, race or prejudice, we will pay a price that may be greater than we can afford. As I have said in the past, I don’t care who you vote for, just make an informed decision. Make a decision based on substance, based on competency, based on qualifications. Our children - who have no opportunity to participate in this process, are counting on us. This nation must do better. I am proud to be an American. Let’s step back and make a well informed decision!Note: For more information on each candidate Check out OntheIssues.org.Image Credit: OntheIssues.orgTags: Obama, McCain, 2008 Elections, RNC, Vote, Hiring Manager, America, Political Rhetoric, US Citizen
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By Darlene McDaniel -- 2 comments
September 4th, 2008
With the presidential candidates campaigning in full force now, I’m becoming more and more irritated by the bitchy negative tone of their campaigns. Darlene has pointed out before that the campaign and election process is our interview of the potential candidates. Then why do we condone all this negativity?
In a job interview, speakng negatively about your previous boss or God forbid, other candidates (if you happen to know them) will probably guarantee you don’t get called for a second interview. Yet, in the political campaign process, this negativity is well accepted and even expected from the candidates. People rarely raise an eyebrow at the negative ad campaigns and venomous, mean sprited speeches that attack the character of opponents. I don’t care how widely accepted it is, I consider candidates who use these tactics bad news just like I do job applicants who do it.
Here are my top reasons why political candidates should follow the same rules as regular ole job applicants like us.
- Focusing all efforts on attacking the other party could be a predictor of a candidate who seeks out and embraces conflict.
- A negative ad campaign strikes me as a smoke screen for a candidate who has nothing of substance to say.
- It breaks my mother’s basic rule of “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all” which is a particulary important rule for a President and Vice President.
- It’s mean.
- It fosters a negative culture within the party and society at-large and gives people nothing to talk about the next day around the water cooler except negative attacking stuff.
McCain/Palin and Obama/Biden - please read our Coach’s Corner blog posts. I think you need it.
What do you think about negative political campaigns? Do you think they are productive, or counter-productive for (a.) the votes and (b.) the morale and spirit of the country?
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By Gina -- 0 comments
September 3rd, 2008
“If Nobody Loves You, Create the Demand”! What a powerful statement for any of you out there who can not seem to find a job. I heard this statement first thing this morning at a Marketing and Promotions Workshop at work and I was hooked! Dr. Joel Freeman, from The Freeman Institute was our facilitator this morning for the Workshop. I thought, what a great action statement for job seekers struggling in the job market today. Ok, so no one is calling you back. How are you creating a demand for your product - YOU?
Here are a few suggestions:
1. Rewrite your resume and/or cover letter
2. Highlight your strengths
3. Use powerful words to describe your accomplishments, skills and abilities
4. Network, Network, Network - LinkedIn, Facebook will work just to name a few
5. Find creative ways to get in front of the economic buyer - the hiring manager
6. When you get a “no”, don’t give up, get back out there and find another organization that will say “YES”
7. Use multiple entry points to get your resume in front of the right person
8. Prepare for your interview by developing an offensive plan/strategy
9. Practice your interview - find a coach or a friend that will ask you tough questions
10. Have fun in your job search - Enjoy the Journey!
The title of Joel Freeman’s book, “If Nobody Loves You, Create the Demand”, caught my attention today. Though his book is for entrepreneurs, the message fits the job seeker. If you have been fired, and you can’t seem to get your foot in the door, you may need to reinvent yourself. What ever you do, don’t sit in frustration, anger, bitterness or self-pity. There is no demand for those emotions in the job search. Organizations are looking for people who can step into their organization and make an immediate impact. Can you do that? Make an impact? If you can, but no body is listening or calling then let’s talk. I am happy to review your resume, or discuss your next interview with you. I will give you feedback on what may be in your way. Let’s work together to create a demand for YOU!
Note: For Additional Information about Joel Freeman’s Book, feel free to click here>>>>! Enjoy!
Image Credit: The Freeman Institute
Tags: hiring manager, marketing and promotions, interview chatter, joel freeman, the freeman institute, create the demand, nobody loves you, network
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By Darlene McDaniel -- 2 comments
September 2nd, 2008
Ok, Labor Day is over and back to business. For many people school began, which includes a new schedule. For others, of you, you are looking for a job. So Labor Day may have been a break from the job search. Are you still on “vacation” or did you take some time to actively pursue your job search? A couple of days ago, I shared a Video Instruction: Blogging for a Job. I wanted to take a moment to remind you that there are creative ways to find employment. Too many people sit at home and push resumes out to organizations using email. Others waste a lot of time visiting organizations and applying for jobs in person. Both of these options for your job search, have been tried and tested in the past, but in the year 2008 they are obsolete.
Here are some creative ways to consider for your job search:
1.Blogging for a job
2. Social Networking - Using tools like LinkedIn, Facebook to name a few
3. Volunteer in the industry you are interested in working
4. Go back to school - Strengthen your skills and abilities
5. Invest 8 hours per day looking for a job
6. Network with people you know to find out who they know - Ask for an introduction
7. Send your resume using Federal Express/Airborne Express directly to the hiring manager
8. Create a video resume
These are just a few things I can think of that would get you out of the box in your job search. If you have something that a little more creative or out of the box thinking, please scroll down and share. Labor Day is over. Go find a job!
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By Darlene McDaniel -- 0 comments
September 1st, 2008
Here is how Wikipedia defines Labor Day - “Traditionally, Labor Day is celebrated by most Americans as the symbolic end of the summer.
Labor Day has been celebrated on the first Monday in September in the United States since the 1880s. The form for the celebration of Labor Day was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday—a street parade to exhibit to the public “the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations,” followed by a festival for the workers and their families. This became the pattern for Labor Day celebrations. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civil significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.
Today, Labor Day is often regarded as a day of rest Forms of celebration include picnics, barbecues, fireworks displays, water sports, and public art events. Families with school-age children take it as the last chance to travel before the end of summer. Some teenagers and young adults view it as the last weekend for parties before returning to school.”
Are you working on Labor Day or are you resting? Are you in the market for a job? If so, Labor Day should not be a day of rest for you. Put together a plan for your job search as you move into the remainder of this week. Labor Day is a great day for rest and relaxation, but if resting and relaxing will put you behind in your work, then take some time to invest in planning for the remainder of the week. Then you can rest in peace and enjoy your day!! Have a great Labor Day!!
Picture Credit: Wikipedia Commons
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By Darlene McDaniel -- 1 comment
August 31st, 2008
This morning I had the privilege of meeting with a new coaching client. She has been looking for a job for a long time and has been unsuccessful. In the course of our conversation we discussed whether she has been fired. Turns out she has been fired in the distant past.
The problem is she has not answered the question truthfully when asked in an interview. Albeit, it was more than 10 years ago. But the bottom line is the answer to the question is YES! I know she is not the only person who has ever lied about being fired. Given the job search climate these days, people will do just about anything to get a decent job - accept tell the truth! Truth telling is an absolute. It is absolutely necessary to tell the truth even when it may cost you the job opportunity. I know that is very difficult to swallow. But lying in an interview is unacceptable. Maybe you don’t think so, but I am telling you it will cost you dearly if you get caught lying.
If you have been fired for cause tell the truth. If you have been fired and it was unjust tell the truth. Despite the situation, don’t make up a story, don’t avoid the truth (that’s lying by the way). Even if it is embarrassing, tell the truth. I know it is not easy. Somewhere inside of us, we think if we can get away with lying it will be better for us, we will save face and move forward. But lies have a way of catching up with us.
A Few Tips:
1. Don’t share all of the gory details. Brevity is better.
2. Always include the lessons learned from the experience.
3. Avoid the Shame/Blame Game.
4. Handle your emotions about the situation so that anger and tears do not manifest during the interview.
5. Practice what you will say - alot, so that you don’t stumble through telling what happened.
If you need additional assistance, I am available by email or phone. Check out Additional Resources on my sidebar to the right - Help If You’ve Been Fired.
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By Darlene McDaniel -- 0 comments
August 30th, 2008
Before I get into my thoughts on Senator McCain’s choice for Vice President, I want to talk about the Vice Presidential job description. What does the Vice President of the United States get to do? Sarah Palin isn’t sure what the job requires, so I thought I would take a look.
Job Description courtesy of Wikipedia
The formal powers and role of the vice president are limited by the Constitution to becoming President in the event of the death or resignation of the President and acting as the presiding officer of the U.S. Senate. As President of the Senate, the Vice President has two primary duties: to cast a vote in the event of a Senate deadlock and to preside over and certify the official vote count of the U.S. Electoral College. For example, in the first half of 2001, the Senators were divided 50-50 between Republicans and Democrats and Dick Cheney’s tie-breaking vote gave the Republicans the Senate majority.
Readiness to run the country?
Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska is 44 years old. Her political career in Alaska began in the PTA and she stair stepped her way into the Governor’s mansion. That is pretty impressive to me. Given her range of experience in Alaska as Mayor (2-terms) and Governor she certainly has some skills and abilities to run this country. The national issues we face, the national stage, dealing with the media scrutiny maybe the immediate concern for Sarah Palin.
One of the more valid questions I continue to hear concerning Sarah Palin, is her readiness to run this country should something happen to Senator McCain. That is a valid question, and as “hiring managers”, voters, I believe it is a question to consider before casting your vote for this ticket.
Should a Novice run this country?
Here is another question for you to consider before November 4th. Should a novice run this great country? In a word “NO”. That is one of my concerns with Obama, but I am equally concerned about Sarah Palin. She is a novice as well. Why would we allow a beginner to run this country? I don’t care which party ticket you are considering. Convince me that a novice should be running this country. If you work for a fairly large company and your HR department just hired a brand new entry level employee. Someone with maybe two years experience in your industry. The CEO dies, and you decide that the new employee with two years experience is the best candidate to take the helm at your company as the new CEO. Who does that? Really? Maybe a start-up company that is begun by a novice (See the story of Facebook). But American Express, AT&T, Wells Fargo Bank, GE, NBC, CBS, - you get my drift - these companies are not going looking within their ranks for the least experienced person to take over the organization. They will do a thorough search to find the best candidate, someone with experience, vision, integrity, experience, passion, experience, - again you get my drift. Here is a question for you - Why should we/would we hire a novice to run this country? Feel free to scroll down and leave a comment, I looking for someone to convince me that I should vote for either of these presidential tickets. Your thoughts and opinions are welcome!
Picture Credit: I Draw Pictures
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By Darlene McDaniel -- 4 comments
August 28th, 2008
This has to be one of the most phenomenal stories I have heard in a long time about networking your way into a job. Blogging of all things! Great idea! Here is the podcast from Secrets of the Job Hunt. Take a listen, leave a comment. I will share more of my thoughts later.Find more videos like this on Secrets of the Job Hunt Network
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By Darlene McDaniel -- 1 comment
August 28th, 2008
If you are unprepared for your interview, the first question will eliminate you from the hiring process. This morning I had the opportunity to sit in on an interview. The candidate was asked one question and within 2 minutes the interview was over. The answer given was poor at best.
How do you prepare yourself for the first question in an interview?
1. You must know who your are and what skills and abilities you bring to the table.
2. You must know more than the name of the organization - Find out about their culture, find out about their core business.
3. You must know about the job - the job description is one of the first things you should ask for when offered the opportunity to interview for a job.
4. You must know why you think you are the best candidate for the job.
5. You must never share your shortcomings without sharing how you have overcome them or the process of your growth.
6. If you take the time to prepare for your interview, you will be less nervous when you sit across the table from the hiring manager.
The first question is always the most important interview questions because, if you blow it and insert your foot in your mouth, the interview will be over before it has really begun!
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By Darlene McDaniel -- 2 comments
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