“Tell me about yourself”--one more time.

By Alex Freund
The Landing Expert

All of my career coaching clients go through “Tell me about yourself” during our first 10 minutes together. Why is this so pivotal? It is for several reasons. The most important one is that the first impression is a lasting impression. In a job interview situation, it is of utmost importance to make a good first impression. If you don’t make that good impression, it will be very hard--if not impossible--to dig out of that hole. “Tell me about yourself” sets the scene. If you answer it well, you’ll be riding a good wave, and everything you say after that will be viewed through a positive prism. Otherwise, the opposite is true. 

You may want to ask,” So why am I being asked this question?” After all, the interviewer (hopefully) has read your resume and knows everything about your professional past and respective accomplishments. Nevertheless, the test contained within the question is twofold. First, do you know what your accomplishments are? And second, if you do, can you recount them eloquently and succinctly? 

More important than everything I’ve said so far is your understanding of the reason you were called in for an interview. Think about it for a second. Oops, you’re wrong! It’s not about you having the opportunity to tell the hiring manager how great you are and to sell yourself. It’s clearly about one thing and one thing only: what you can do for the hiring manager. Now, if you agree with that contention, go back and rethink your personal marketing program. Your interview answers should universally focus on how your past experience and skills can help meet the hiring manager’s challenges.

How Long Should Your Interview Answer Be?

By Alex Freund
The Landing Expert

How Long Should Your Interview Answer Be?

I’m not sure whether you’re like me. I’ve stopped reading! I read no more. I skim and browse and hover over the surface of words, and when I find something interesting, only then do I dig in and absorb the content. Nowadays, because of ubiquitous electronic media, you can immediately suffocate from constant immersion in more information than you could ever deal with. 

Why is it that everyone’s suddenly become so prolific? Twitter came up with the brightest idea of all: 140 characters. Period. The answer to the question is because it’s so much easier to write in abundance versus to write eloquently and succinctly. Try this: think of a noun and describe it as if you’ve been asked to write a dictionary definition for it. Now look up the word in the dictionary and read what the dictionary says. Have I made my point?

So, how does this apply to job seekers? Hiring decisions are being made during the interview. The hiring manager asks questions, and the candidate answers the questions, but often--instead of giving a short summary--the candidate thinks this is the time for a lengthy answer, including the whens, hows, whys, why nots, and so on. The answer becomes an endless rambling that ends in complete failure. The candidate is not happy after realizing what happened, and the interviewer lost the candidate because of a much, much shorter attention span. Both parties lost. This is not a good answer.

The only way to create a win-win situation in an interview is for candidates to be prepared with short answers to a variety of job-related questions. And practice, practice, practice. Know why? Because practice makes perfect!

You’re Fired! What Now?

By Alex Freund
The Landing Expert

 You’re Fired! What Now?

I hate to sound like Donald Trump, but what happens if you get fired? or laid off? or downsized? Whatever term you use doesn’t matter. The thing is that come Monday, you have nowhere to go and you feel angry, guilty, puzzled, confused, and a hundred other feelings. You’re panicking because suddenly, it’s not business as usual. And your self-esteem is at a new low.

You’ll have to face the world and explain your status. Plus, you must face the economic facts of life because the money spigot has shut until a new job is secured. Unfortunately, your financial commitments remain unchanged from when you had a job. Panicking doesn’t help. On the contrary: you have to approach your new situation logically and find a solution—quickly. But where to start? Yes, you’ve heard about others who lost their jobs, but that was different somehow. Now it is you.

Start with a self-assessment

As a practicing career coach, I developed a simple self-assessment tool for reentry into the job market. (It’s available for free by downloading it from my LinkedIn profile.) 

The first thing to assess is your emotional strength. You’re not ready for a self-calibration or for making logical decisions if you’re distraught. If your mind is not strong and you’re not clearheaded, you cannot be logical. 

Next, look at your most recent résumé, and update it. All of the people you’re going to talk with about possible jobs will need your résumé. This is a critical issue because the vast majority of people do not have their résumés done professionally. And upon separation from their companies, those lucky enough to have ex-employers who pay for the services of outplacement firms still get only limited assistance from those firms. Among other services, outplacement firms assist with the construction of résumés. Regrettably, though, the final result typically falls short of the quality of a résumé done by a professional, certified résumé writer. The outcome is that you think your résumé is good because after all, you received assistance from an outplacement service. But in reality the document is not producing the results you expected. In this case I know what I’m talking about, and my suggestion is that you engage a recommended résumé writer. If you cannot come up with several such writers for comparison shopping, I can send you a list of them if you request it by e-mailing me at alex@landingexpert.com. 

In addition to your résumé, you must have an equally solid LinkedIn profile. The same rule applies here: get it done professionally. Time is short, and your future career and financial well-being are at stake.

Sixty to 80% of people get their next jobs by networking

Are you good at networking? Have you developed your sphere of influence so that when in need, you can reach out for help? It is not too late to start today. Yes, I understand: you’re an introvert, or you had a full-time job and didn’t need to develop such relationships. But now you must.

Communication skills

From here on—and even after you start your new job—you’ll have to communicate with various parties verbally and in writing. If you’re not very good at that, I suggest you use a professional editor. I’ve been using the services of EditAmerica.com with confidence and great success.

You are called for a video or in-person interview

This must be scary for some despite that in the past they’ve landed jobs and so therefore they must be good. Well, think again. So much has changed in the workplace lately, including the level of intensity of the competition for that coveted job. I know this well because for the past 10 years I’ve been preparing people at all levels and from all industries for getting ready for job interviews conducted by all sorts of methods, including in person, of course, as well as by Skype or videoconference.

Are you scared about negotiating the job offer?

People in transition feel traumatized. Then, finally, after an arduous and protracted period, an offer comes their way. They feel grateful to have received a lifeline and are in no mood to start negotiating and potentially jeopardizing the offer. Big mistake! This is the final step whereby those who know how to maneuver within the maze can make big bucks with little effort.

Good luck to you!

Surprise Improvement in U.S. Employment Activity

Gary Lande, Career Coach
Showing You The Way Forward

Labor and unemployment numbers for the month of May have been reported, and the news is very positive. The unemployment rate declined to 13.3% in May compared with 14.7% in April, while the labor participation rate increased, with 2.5 million non-farm jobs being added to the economy. Economists polled by Market Watch had expected the unemployment rate to climb to 19%.

I encourage everyone who is in transition to pursue job opportunities very actively. I believe that you will be surprised that you find many opportunities as the economy continues to open.

Has "Ageism" Encountered You?

By David L. Steinberg, IWA, Poet, 2018 Nobel Peace Prize Nominee and Sustainability Advocate

"You are too old!"
"You overqualified"
"You are too expensive"
"You will take this job then move on when something else better comes along"
"We want less expensive people,"
Etc. etc. etc.
Maybe you have not heard these exact words, but you know what they mean!
So, what do you do about it? Give up in despair?
Or, Maybe there is another way to approach this dilemma.
Here are 50 Ways, not to leave your lover, but how you can overcome these objections:

https://kolakowj.wordpress.com/2009/12/03/fifty-for-fifty-–-50-reasons-to-hire-the-50-plus-candidate/

ACHIEVING MY GOALS

By David L. Steinberg, IWA, Poet, 2018 Nobel Peace Prize Nominee and Sustainability Advocate

• My goals are important to me and me alone.  The sooner I accomplish one thing on the list, the sooner I can devote my energies for the next one.  

• Only I choose to list them here and only I choose to accomplish them.

• I take complete responsibility, if they are to be accomplished or not.  If I fail to accomplish any of them, it is because it is not important enough for me at the time.  

• If I choose to accomplish them, it is because I will not allow any person, or situation to stand in the way.  I shall find a way or make one.

• I seek a new purpose in my life with my list of goals, a new mission, and a sense of renewal.  

• There is enough time in my life for each goal and I will choose the right time to achieve it.

• With the list of goals, I will become more active, yet more at peace with myself, because I am doing this for my benefit.  

• I choose not to become anxious, worried or disappointed if I fail in my quest.  I choose to use my best efforts, with the best of intentions for all concerned.

• I realize that success is never final, and failure is never fatal.  

• I understand that there are lessons to be learned in all experiences and every failure is one step closer in my quest for success.  I will simply choose another goal or adjust the time period for its attainment.

• I will neither despair, nor worry, nor allow any negative emotion to derail me from my purposes.

• I understand that part of the time there may appear to be no progress toward them, but this is like the winter of my soul.  I seek the energy, the patience and the inspiration with the Divine within me help to accomplish my goals.

• Some goals will be easier than others and some will take longer than I first thought.  I will simply adjust the timetable, not the goals.

• I shall remain humble and loving towards others.  They are there to help me to accomplish the goals, and I am there to help them accomplish theirs, as well.

• I feel good about me, as I take the first step in setting my goals and I will feel good as I achieve each one.

What's in your Career Toolbox

Author:  Michael J Wilson, PMP,  ITIL

What's in your toolbox is a question we should ask ourselves, as we approach the new year.  Just to clarify, the toolbox is not the one you keep in the garage and I am not referring to a getting a new hammer or a set of Torx head screwdrivers; although these make great gifts for the handy person.  No, what I am stressing here is the “Career Toolbox”. Take the time to assess what is rusty, dirty, broken, or just plain missing. Now, I know you may be thinking, “What is he talking about?”. My career is going fine or, I have a job, or I just left my job and won't be out long.  I have gotten a job before, I know what I am doing.  So, if you are in that mindset, great I wish you a joyful new year.  However, if you are in transition, not doing the job you want, or maybe just want to be prepared for the future, then it's time to cleanup, update or get a toolbox.

Here are some things to consider regarding your tools. Remember this is your career, so be honest, ask yourself what is it that you want?  Do you want to be a mechanic, consultant, accountant, lawyer or a teacher?  No answer is wrong, it's your choice.  Next consider how you want to appear or present yourself. Ask yourself “How do I look?”. How is my picture, my wardrobe, my profile and my resume representing me? Then think about, “Do you know enough people and are you networking?” Are you on and use social media? Are you learning and engaging?  If any of these strikes a nerve, or rings a bell, you need to do the yearly career toolbox cleanup. The following steps will really help you get started.

Step 1:  Identification process.  Write down all your tools. These include certificates, training, experience resumes and cover letters, profiles, social media accounts or other job-hunting documents. This will give you a visual to start from.

Step 2:  Carbon dating process. Put a date next to all the tools you have, indicating last use or update. Be honest, you are not impressing anyone by fibbing to yourself. 

Step 3:  Setting the stage.  Write out the job(s) you want. Note:  You can browse the internet for ideas and descriptions.  Shoot for the stars, you can always change your mind. 

Step 4:  Cleanout.  It feels so good to clean out a closet, or garage.  However, parting with objects may be hard. Like many of us, you may hear your parents say, keep that old umbrella, you never know when it's going to rain. Well here's the thing, its Grandpas umbrella from 1952. It has holes and is worn out.   So, you have my permission to get rid of it.  Regarding the career toolbox, if it's not relevant to you today, chances are you don't need it.  Nobody cares if your certified in some old software that isn't used anymore (like, Fortran, Lotus 123 or IBM OS/2).

Step 5:  Window shopping. Identify new tools that you need, or want. Look at the job descriptions and, ask yourself do I know this? Should I know it? What else is there that I need to know? Everyone window shops, we are a social society. We watch, observe, attempt and then we learn.

Step 6:  Spree time is on.  Get new tools or upgrade old ones.  Yes, that's right go and get the tools, you have permission. Sometimes we forget to spend on ourselves, but a sharpened saw will cut better than a dull one. Also remember old saws may just need new blades. So, have fun, just remember to watch your budget and look for groups that have offerings and networking opportunities (like psgofmercercounty.org).

Step 7:  Discovery.   Find out what other tools are out there.  As the saying goes, you sometimes may not know what you don't know.  You may be doing something a way you were taught, you may not know another way. Consider how other people, industries or corporations work. Also become socially aware, of yourself and how others may perceive you.  This is where wardrobes, physical appearance, and body language comes into play. Speak to people, have them look at your tools, get their points of view.  Don't get mad, if they say “yes that sweater make you look fat.” You want the honesty. 

So now you might be wondering, this guy is nuts, talking about toolboxes and careers. I am not a handyman, carpenter or mechanic.  You may not be, but I have spoken with many tradesmen, as well as corporate people, doctors, lawyers, and more.  They all seem to invest in new tools to be their best.  They invest in themselves and do it at least yearly.   Can you say that?

The PM Job-Search Effort

 Author: Benny A. Recine, MBA, PMP, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, CAMS

The PM Job-Search Effort

 I am an active member of several job network groups in New Jersey. I have been privy to many job-search stories from Project Managers (PMs) and individuals outside the  PM field. I must tell you that the job search is no different from any vocation. We may think that our own vocation has its own idiosyncrasies, but in truth, all job-searches have the same common elements.

However, as PMs, we should know that putting together a job search is very similar to setting up a project. As a matter of fact, it’s exactly the same. So let’s go through the phases in a project-oriented fashion.

Initiation

This beginning phase can occur in one of two fashions. You may believe your current organization is not in your long-term plans and it is time to move on from your current position. Or, in a worst case scenario, you are let go by your current organization. If this is the latter, most likely you did not see this coming. Whether or not you should have is another discussion, but let’s say the signs were not there for you to read, and one day you get the word that you are no longer part of the organization. Either way, the planning must begin. Sure, you want to start hitting the job boards and calling your close contacts. These may not be the best things to do first.

When planning in a job search, you have to begin with the end in mind, to steal a line from a famous author. Is what you have been doing or what you are currently doing what you want to continue doing? One of the first steps is to begin a campaign to research the organizations that you would like to be associated with. Hopefully, they are not too far from your home and are a short commute.

Also, begin by writing your marketing plan. This is the written document you can share with your contacts that highlights what it is you are great at and includes a brief description of what role you are seeking to fill. Next, you should list the companies that you have researched.

Planning

As you are writing your marketing plan, you should begin writing your job search plan. This should include, but is not limited to, a list of individuals and companies you want to contact, what days you want to be out “pounding the pavement” and meeting individuals, and if you were let go, the beginnings of a budget because you likely now have limited funds.

In this plan, I would suggest putting together a board, a group of individuals who can offer you advice and counsel during your search. I would suggest that most of these individuals be in your line of work, but there should be at least one individual who is not but who is successful in their own line of work. Plan to meet with your board via conference call (there is a free website for conference calls, www.freeconferencecalls.com) on a monthly or every other month basis. I would suggest that they make it a point to hold you to your plan as you should report your progress to them. You also want to continue working and finalize your marketing.

I strongly suggest that you join a network group. I belong to several and like to keep active in them.  I know that, if by some chance I am asked to leave an organization, my contacts and my network groups know me and can help me as soon as the separation happens. I urge you to join a group and stay active even after you land a job.

Execution and Control

Once you have your plan in place, it is time to execute it. While you are executing the plan, you must document your progress (the control phase). This is what you will be using to report to your board, or to just see your progress.

Yes, you should keep your significant other in the loop regarding what you are looking for and what is happening. As a matter of fact, you should employ your whole family in this endeavor. It is in their best interest to help you. This is all part of the execution and control of your plan. You may also discover, as in a project, that you must re-plan or re-scope a portion of your plan. Hopefully not your whole plan, but never stop reviewing your plan for updates and for modifications.

Closing

This is the phase where you land a position. When this happens, you must still keep in touch with the contacts that you have made and the groups you belong to. You should also make an effort to help those you can; as you sought help, others will look to you for help. The closing phase is really the “never forget” phase. Yes, you will be busy making a decision on which organization you want to join and other critical factors. But never forget that you once were looking for help and others helped you.

My Pledge to Myself

Author:  David Steinberg, IWA, Poet and Sustainability advocate

My Pledge to Myself

The following is my commitment to myself as an expression of self-love, I hereby resolve to make myself a JOB MAGNET with the following steps:

ü Forget the past as to what I did, said, or thought that got me into my present situation.

ü I forgive myself and I forgive other people for any hurts, real or perceived.

ü I will neither blame others, nor accept it for myself.

ü I will not judge others, nor myself for anything I have thought, said, or done.

ü I simply resolve to change what I do that is negative and affirm that I do the positive things that will help me to get my financial house in order.

ü The power to change my life exists only in the present moment.  As I express that power, I am on the road to financial success.

ü My security is neither in my bank account nor assets, no matter how little or much I have.  Instead, it is the knowledge that lies within me that sustains me and will always guide me to right step at the right time to the right people and the right circumstances that will always help me to achieve my prosperity.

ü Worry, fear, and anxiety are words that are hereby banished from my life forever.             

ü My retirement is not in my outer assets, for it is within my mind, my soul, my very being that affirms my abilities to create a bright future for myself.

ü Everything that I think, say, and do has positive consequences that will lead me only to the good I deserve.

ü There is no room for lack or the appearance of lack for anything I need in my life.

ü No one, except me, has the power to change my vision for a secure future.

ü Nothing I do shall cause a loss to another to justify my gain. 

ü This rich earth has a bountiful harvest for each one and I claim my share of the harvest.

ü This is my contribution to the financial stability of myself, my family, my neighborhood, my town, my state, my nation, and my planet.

On this _____ day of ___________________, 20___,    I have affirmed this pledge to myself to face the future with unshakable confidence.

X____________________________________________________________

Approved by me  (Sign it, date it and put it up on your mirror, so  you won’t forget it)

  

How to Differentiate Yourself in a Sea of Competitors

Author:  Lisa P. Kaste  (HR Business Partner)

“I saw you didn’t do an elevator pitch today.” said John Trach, a fellow job seeker, to me at our PSG meeting.  It’s true; I had snuck out to the bathroom because I just couldn’t deal with the elevator pitch that Friday.  I was feeling stuck in my job search with no hot prospects and not knowing what to do next to generate some new job leads.  What really struck me however was that someone – maybe several someone’s – had taken note of me at the meetings.  I had let myself down by not taking the opportunity to let people know who I am and what I do professionally.  That was the whole point of this networking meeting, right!?

On the ride home I had an epiphany.  I needed to create an Elevator Pitch that was memorable.  The radio was off and my creativity started cooking.  Inspiration came quickly as I considered how I could use a set of playing cards to highlight my HR skills.  By the time I got home I had the whole concept in my head.  I walked in the door and over the next two hours I created my own deck of cards listing the HR skills I want to be known for as an HR professional.

I rehearsed my pitch over and over until I could deliver it smoothly and without a hitch.  I used The Breakfast Club meeting and another networking group to practice the pitch and get feedback.  The feedback was resoundingly positive with many suggestions to tape it and post it on LinkedIn.  A networking friend offered to video tape me, and a tech savvy cousin helped me load it onto LinkedIn as a posting.  I had finally found a way to ask my LinkedIn network to help me find job prospects without me actually having to ask them!

The video views started to jump into the hundreds with many Likes and Comments.  Additionally I chose to market it aggressively by reaching out to individual LinkedIn contacts asking them to watch my first video posting and asking them to share/repost it, or “Like” it or make a “Comment”.  As of today I have over 11,000 views of the video and I have also loaded the video into the Media Section of my profile so that anyone who views my profile can easily watch it.  As I add recruiters and other people to my network – I highlight the video to them.  It’s my new calling card.

Was the effort worth it?  You bet!  I clearly made an impression on many people who complimented me for my creativity and nerve.  I heard from former colleagues and other HR professionals who shared job leads which resulted in some interviews.  My goal was to differentiate myself in a sea of other HR professionals.  I have a new tool to market myself and I will continue to use it until I come up with my next creative idea.  Stay tuned!

Why Worry

Author:  David L. Steinberg  (Poet and Sustainability advocate)

Why worry just because you lost your job?   Really?

        Is the repo man outside wanting to take your car?

        Is the sheriff coming up the street to evict you?

        Are the police knocking on your door to arrest you?

        Is the hangman waiting on the steps of the gallows? 

        Is the IRS attaching your assets?

        Is the grim reaper chasing you down the street? 

        If the answer is NO, then what are you panicking for?

 Take a step back and begin to take stock of yourself. 

 Take a deep breath, hold it for a count of four, and slowly exhale.

 If you need to, take another one.

 And another. Take as many as needed. 

 First of all: This is neither final nor fatal.

 Count them, do you have all your marbles? 

Are all the parts of your mind still there?

 Minus your panic, of course!

 Let’s look at this job thing from a different perspective. 

 Today, you have a GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY

 to do what you really want to do for the rest of your life.

 Today is a New Dawn, a New Day, different from all other days. 

All things, without restriction, are possible today!

 Strangers are waiting to help you. 

 Good things are just around the corner to make your day! 

Angels in heaven, in all their glory, are waiting to assist you! 

The stars above are aligned moving you closer to your goals!

 All the forces of the universe are waiting for your beck and call! 

Today is your day to start to create your future! 

 You and ONLY YOU control your destiny! 

You have the power within you to reach out and change your world! 

You have more power within you than all the forces of nature! 

Earthquake, volcanoes, hurricanes and tidal waves cannot deter you! 

Black holes, comets, gamma rays, solar winds won’t stop you! 

Not only do you have the power, YOU ARE THE POWER! 

And the ONLY POWER that determines your destiny!

 Tomorrow, if you feel a letdown, reread these words today!

Rejection is a ball

Rejection is a Ball

  Author:  John M. Dix  Trainer, Facilitator, Strategist, Founder JMD Partnerships

I’ve been thinking about it all wrong and maybe you have too.

Getting that rejection notice thus bringing the interview process to an end.

“We’ve decided to go in a different direction.”

“We have selected a candidate whose qualifications and skills better match our needs.”

If you are like me and have been in job search mode for a significant length of time, you don’t even want to think about the number of times you have heard and read those types of statements.

But I have come up with a better, healthier and more realistic way to look at it.

Think of it as similar to being the batter in baseball.  That feeling you have as you wait for the pitch, anxiously awaiting what you might get.  Curve ball, fast ball, slider, change up, low and away, etc.  The waiting can seem like forever.  Kind of the same feeling you get when you are waiting to hear how the interview went and whether you are still in the game … or not.

That feeling you have when there is a called strike or a swing and a miss.  Remember that feeling?  It’s kind of like when you get the word that you didn’t get the job.  Loser, dejected, denied, etc.  With that swing and a miss, it didn’t turn out the way you had hoped.  Kind of like when the interview process comes to that end you were hoping didn’t happen.

Better to think about it as a ball, a pitch outside of your strike zone, a pitch you couldn’t hit.  A pitch you shouldn’t take a swing at.

The interview process is about two things; them getting to know you and you getting to know them.  The end result being a decision, by both parties, of whether or not it is a good fit.

So when the rejection comes, think of it as a ball.  A job you should not have been offered.  A job that is not the right job for you. It’s a ball!  Rejection is a ball.

Now pick yourself up, get back in the game and wait for that next pitch.  It could be a home run!

A Picture is worth a thousand words

Author: Sam Cohen

         Leader of on-time process and technology solutions, engaging a passion for working with people.

A Picture is worth a thousand words; or so the saying goes. Our profile photo on LinkedIn, for example, leaves an impression, whether we like it or not. And, it is part of our branding.

 The following information comes from Photofeeler...

 "There's rich academic research which says different photos of the same person create wildly different first impressions. "

This is proven again and again on Photofeeler. "If the same face can score high with one photo and low with another photo... well, it's not the face that's changed. It's the photo.

 "Let's say a man is about average-looking. With the wrong angles and lighting, his picture could make him appear below-average. Now, if he fixes those problems and then starts to experiment with the kind of story he's telling with his photo, his scores can go higher and higher.

Say, for instance, you have two pictures of the same man: one of him standing alone in a dimly-lit bedroom and one of him accepting a Grammy award. Likely the picture that portrays the man as skilled, interesting, and successful will be rated much higher.

 "That said, here are some tips we've put together, based on Photofeeler data, for increasing photo scores on particular traits:

 "How to Look More Competent in Photos

 "How to Look More Likable in Photos

 "How to Look More Influential in Photos

 "How to Look More Intelligent in Photos

 "How to Look More Trustworthy in Photos

 "How to Look More Attractive in Photos

 "How to Look More Confident in Photos

 "How to Look More Authentic in Photos

 "How to Look More Fun in Photos"

Where Oh Where Has My Accountability Team Gone?

Author:  David Steinberg, IWA

              Poet, Management & Administrative Expert

Where Oh Where Has My Accountability Team Gone?

Sung to the tune of: Where Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone?

(A long time ago in a Galaxy far away, this actually did happen to me)

Where, Oh Where, Has My Accountability Team Gone?

Where, oh where is my team?

I came to a meeting on Friday.

Mark was my teammate that day.

Where, Oh Where, Has My Accountability Team Gone?

Where, oh where is my team?

I came to a meeting on Monday.

Mark (again) was my teammate that day.

Where, Oh Where, Has My Accountability Team Gone?

Where, oh where is my team?

A meeting is scheduled for Wednesday.

Who will be my teammates that day?

Where, Oh Where, Has My Accountability Team Gone?

Where, oh where is my team?

If my teammates don't do what they say they will do

Then who can I be accountable to?

Where, Oh Where, Has My Accountability Team Gone?

Where, oh where is my team?

I guess that to me it has been handed.

I now announce that I have LANDED!

Where, Oh Where, Has My Accountability Team Gone?

Where, oh where is my team?

I must be responsible to me, again.

In June, I started with Raymour & Flanigan!

Where, Oh Where, Has My Accountability Team Gone?

Where, oh where is my team?

Inside, I am so excited that I am just oozing.

But, I guess my accountability team is snoozing.

Where, Oh Where, Is My Accountability Team Gone?

Where, oh where is my team?

I hope you enjoyed hearing my song.

Hey!  My partner was me all along.

                                 See you soon. Maybe. Perhaps. Perhaps not!

Face your fears and try something new

Author: Alan Kirshner 
              Finance Professional/Credit & Collections/Financial Analysis/SAP

For as long as I can remember I have always had a fear of heights.  If I was walking on a high mountain trail, I would always stay to the inside and not look over the edge.  It’s not an issue of being up high, because I am fine with being on a jet plane or being on the observation deck at the Freedom Tower.  The problem lies in being up high and on the edge of something where I could fall off and tumble to my death.

I suspect that I must have had a trauma early in life where something bad almost happened to me with a fall.  As much as I have had this fear for a long time, I do not let it paralyze me.  I will hike in the mountains and usually go very quickly if I am near the edge and feel I am in danger of falling off.  I have pushed myself to do things like take a mule trip into the Grand Canyon.  It seems like every time my anticipation is worse than the actual event.

With this theme of pushing my limit with heights, I set a goal of sky diving.  I’ve been working my way up to it by taking smaller steps.  I started out by jumping off the side of a boat.  After accomplishing that, I decided to set a goal of going Parasailing.  I accomplished that one with the support and hand holding from my son.

I started thinking about the skydiving a number of years ago but felt like it was going to be well into the future.  I was thinking it would be after my two sons graduated from college.  Lately I started to look into it and decided why wait, because you never know what the future will bring.  I also went to an inspirational networking meeting and the speaker asked the question, “when is the last time you did something for the first time?”  I found that was the push to get me to sign up for skydiving.  I also felt it would be a great accomplishment to finish the summer.  It was complicated, because the place I was planning to use, gets shut down every time Donald Trump comes to his golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey because of flight restrictions.  It was recently closed for 17 days.
Well on a Friday I booked the skydiving for the following Tuesday at 11:00AM.  I kept affirming the thought, “I am confident and relaxed successfully skydiving.”  I said it while hiking, biking and running over the next few days.

On Monday night, I got a call confirming my skydiving appointment for Tuesday. That night, I did my affirmations one more time and tried to relax.  The weather forecast called for some fog and potential for rain.

I woke up on Tuesday morning and it was very cloudy.  Since I did not receive a call canceling skydiving, I headed over to the airport.   When I got there, I was shown a short video, explaining how dangerous skydiving is, and how you are assuming all the risk including death when you do it.  The next step was to go on an IPad and sign 2 different waiver forms which repeatedly mention you can be seriously hurt or killed and you will not sue the skydiving company, instructor, or equipment maker.  Their computer system ‘crashed’ several times and I needed to start the waiver from scratch each time.  The forms also said you needed to specify that you do not take any medication regularly and don’t have any issues such as heart disease.  I answered that I do take a medicine.  I also found out that due to the cloudiness they had not started the jumping that morning and consequently there was a 2 hour delay.  I started hoping they wouldn’t let me jump for medical reasons.  I finally completed all the forms and found out I would be on the 4th plane going up.  I resigned myself to the wait, and started talking to people to learn more about the experience.  I also texted my wife to tell her about the delay.  No sooner did I complete the text, when they told me I had been pushed up to the next flight and I needed to get harnessed and ready to jump.

The panic started to set in and they put the harness around me.  I met the instructor named Matt who I was going to jump connected to me and asked him to go easy on me since it was my first jump.  I also shared with him that I have a big fear of heights and he told me he did also and this wouldn’t be a problem.  I purchased a video/photo package of the experience and Matt started to take pictures of me on the ground and near the plane.  We boarded the plane and as luck would have it, I was sitting on a seat right next to the exit door.  I dreaded this because one of the people I spoke to on the ground said on the flight up when it gets hot the sky diving instructors like to open the door and leave it open for a while to bring cold air into the cabin.  She said this was the scariest part for her.  Sure enough that happened and I could not bear to look out the open door but choose to look into the airplane instead.  I was very relieved when the instructors cooled off and closed the door again.

Matt gave me instructions about getting out of the plane which included dangling my feet over the side.  He also said I needed to arch my head and back and bend my knees and keep them together once we leave the plane.  I found out that Matt has been jumping for 10 years and had done over 2000 jumps.

Matt and I were number 3 in the cue to jump out and the time had come for people to exit the plane.  I watched the first 2 sets of people go and realized I was up next.  I dangled my feet out the plane and Matt launched us out of the airplane.  The free fall was amazing, as it was just like being in a wind tunnel with air flying all around you.  Eventually I felt the big tug as the parachute deployed.  Matt told me that I made it and he was in control from there.  I looked around and got extremely nervous because we were still 8000 feet above mother earth.  Matt could tell I was very tense and he tried to relax me.  He also loosened some of the ropes on the harness to make us more comfortable, though that made me even more nervous.  Although it was beautiful scenery, I just couldn’t wait to get down. He handed me a yellow string and when I pulled it down with my right hand, we moved to the right.  I did the same thing with the string in my left hand and we moved to the left.  Soon he took over the steering for landing and instructed me that we would be landing on our bottoms and to make sure to keep my legs out horizontally and hold them there because this was the dangerous part where we could really get hurt.  Silly me, I thought all the previous parts of the jump were the dangerous ones. I did exactly as Matt instructed and we landed on the left side of our bodies instead of our bottoms. We hit the ground a little harder than I expected, my ears became completely clogged, but no injuries.   I was so relieved to be back on the ground.

I found out from Matt that we did the free fall for 30 seconds and the plane went up to 10,000 feet.  Wow what an exhilarating and scary experience for me.  Thinking about it now, I have not completely conquered my fear of falling, but I am proud I was able to push myself beyond my fear.  I also feel more confident to try new things in the future.  Looking down from a mountain does not seem nearly as high or scary any more.

Try Something for the First Time to Shift Your Job Search Perspective

Author: Terry Adams


Mark Beal, PR guru-professor-author, shared his 101 Lessons They Never Taught You In College at a recent PSG gathering in the Princeton Library. Although each lesson is a valuable learning for all “post-college grads”, Mark highlighted the ones he thought most benefited our group of professionals in transition. Masterfully, Mark related a dozen or so lessons bringing each one to life with personal antidotes and stories, Mark’s signature style. Lesson #46 struck a chord for me.

Five years ago my daughter asked to go skydiving on her 18^th birthday and my response was, “Great idea, I’ll take you but I’m not jumping!” This chorus repeated every year since. Mark presented Lesson #46 Try Something for the First Time and my brain perked-up asking, “Why not jump?”

In the face of looking for a new job and being confronted with various beliefs about getting the right position, I asked myself again, “Why not jump?” This query uncovered a fear within myself regarding falling out of an airplane with a malfunctioning parachute...that terrified me! Was I experiencing a similar fear around my job search, i.e., What if the next position didn’t work out?

Fast forward to this weekend, my daughter’s 23^rd birthday, she and I jumped out of an airplane 10,000 feet in the air, made a free fall for 55 seconds, and an eight minute parachute drop!! My nerves were calm until my daughter jumped before me and I glimpsed the earth below, deep gulp! I acknowledged my nerves, focused my attention to the clear, blue sky and the great opportunity to feel free and energized. That imagery got me off the plane. The ground was in my view whether I wanted it or not (I could have closed my eyes but that would be a waste!)  My eyes looked down and my arms outstretched, I felt the intense pressure against my chest and face, and yelled, “Oh My God…!” After that, we gently parachuted to the exact spot where my tandem partner glided us to a soft halt. WOW!

My landing was safe: no nausea, no jitters, no broken bones, and all pure adrenaline pumping through my veins. My first thought was, “Why did I wait so long?” This experience provided me a fitting metaphor for my job search. Instead of seeking a position out of fear of being unemployed or the new job may not work out, my circumstantial view shifted to realizing an opportunity like the beautiful clear sky on Sunday morning at 10,000 feet in the air. This is my opportunity to find a great position, one that pumps pure adrenaline through my veins! Thank you, Mark, for being the catalyst for this enlightenment!

Address the Emotional Side of Job Search

Author: Sam Cohen

         Leader of on-time process and technology solutions, engaging a passion for working with people, vision for the future, and accepting only success.

Alex Freund (The Landing Expert) wrote an article (How to Overcome Fear While In-transition) which notes the oft-minimized emotional side of being in transition.  It is important is to recognize the need to address job search holistically.  The focus is generally:
(1) knowing the current tools for job search
(2) applying the current job search processes
(3) preparing and practicing job search interactions

Just as important is:
(4) having a confidential emotional support network - one that listens as you talk about the emotions of search
(5) understanding/recognizing what you are experiencing
(6) having positive diversions

The last 3 points must not be minimized. A confidential emotional support network should be available. Remember that even those who are positive have negative moments.

Support is one aspect of realistically approaching what you feel during a job search.  Because, it is personal.  One needs to understand the emotional side in order to be most effective in search.

Positive diversions are not a waste of cycles.  Volunteering, for example, can not only lead to a job, but also allows the unemployed to have social interaction.  As Alex notes, hearing ,“Thanks for a job well done” is an emotional uplift —a sentiment that for a while has likely been absent from life.

Another way to get positive diversions is to push endorphins.  This is critical in order to maintain a positive attitude during transition.  There are a limited number of ways to do so.  The one most under an individual's control is exercise.  I walk.

I also combine walking with positive projection and using my speaking voice (not volume per se, but clarity). I smile throughout the exercise session; and say hello to everyone I see, increasing my comfort and ability to look strangers in the eye and speak clearly to them. Doing so not only improves one's attitude, but let's them practice interacting.

If you are not generally getting a response, keep working at it.  Some of us are uncomfortable doing speaking up and/or to others.


Net, my suggestions for a successful search require addressing all six (6) points in Alex's article, and not minimizing the importance of the latter 3.

Happy searching!

"It's Not You, It's Me!"

Author:  John Johnson
              Key Account Manager

Remember this line? It is the “disclaimer” of every failed relationship, and is used to deflect blame.  As it relates to our careers, there are many times you can be the model employee who does things the right way and still be let go, downsized, displaced (whatever term suits you and your own situation).

For example, in my last sales job I worked hard to:

• Build meaningful customer relationships (people buy from people they like, and I am a likeable guy, at least I think so)
• Actively participate in company sales meetings and conference calls (and actually be on time)
• Manage and (come in under) the yearly budget for expenses
• Submit those expenses on a weekly basis (weekly? Yes, weekly … company policy)
• Update CRM (customer relationship management) regularly.  In layman’s terms, inputting notes into a system on the computer after meeting with a customer, that you can use for future reference (or for your boss to figure out if you worked that day)
• Assist the warehouse whenever & wherever possible with product transfers and customer deliveries.  (AKA “bailing them out”)
• Maintain sales volume in a challenging and competitive industry
• Be that overall (and, I know this is misused, but indulge me) team player
• The list goes on and on….

Sounds like a valuable employee, right?  Well, yes, but no.  The company realigned sales territories and my position was eliminated.  Was it fair?  Was it just?  How dare they!  In the current employment environment we work in let’s just say it is a part of life, and a part of the process you cannot control.  Your former company has their reasons, and as an “at will” employee (save for a legal issue), you are at their “disposal”, so to speak.  You could spend time beating yourself up for what you could have done differently to save your job, but what good will that do?  It is not going to bring your job back.  Plus, worrying about things you have no control over is not a productive use of your time, and expends valuable energy that can be put to good use in search of your next opportunity.  Dust yourself off and get back in the game!

Truth is, we ALL have a list of valuable traits we can bring to the next the company we work for, and our mission as job seekers is to find that company that will utilize, appreciate and reward these traits.  Just remember that bad things can happen to good people, and that your next employer will be fortunate to have you. Your next job, while it can and (hopefully) will be rewarding, is just that, a J-O-B - nothing more, nothing less.  And, sometimes, “it’s not you, it’s me”(or in this case, them).

How Do You Define Yourself? I Am Unemployed Because:

Author:  David Steinberg, IWA

              Poet, Management & Administrative Expert

(-)    I am a loser

(+)   I am a winner, not a whiner

(-)    I am a deadbeat

(+)   I meet my obligations to my company and myself

(-)    I am worthless

(+)   I create value and value what I create

(-)    I am willing to take any job at low wages

(+)   I will take a position at reasonable compensation

(-)    I am unwilling to change

(+)   I am flexible

(-)    I am too fixed in my beliefs

(+)   I have fixed values, but my beliefs can change

(-)    I am too old and companies don’t hire older people

(+)   My experience taught me how to figure out to get the job done

(-)    I am unemployed therefore there is something wrong with me

(+)   This is my golden opportunity to do what I really want to do

(-)     I have too much experience that the company can’t afford to pay me what I am worth.

(+)     I am willing to be flexible in my salary expectations because I know how to create value to my company

(-)     I am too slow

(+)     When I take my time, I do it right the first time so it doesn’t have to be done over.

(-)     I won’t be in the workforce very long because I will retire soon

(+)     I accept the fact that I have many more years of accomplishment ahead of me.

(-)     Only the employed need to apply.

(+)     Don’t need to answer that one. or, as Groucho Marx said, “Any club that would have me as a member isn’t worth joining.”

Copyright - May 2013, by David L. Steinberg.