Last night I got into a discussion and as Peter Griffin from Family Guy stated in a job he took for a news station... "What Really Grinds My Gears" was the fact that someone was talking about the state the economy is in and who is to blame for it. Of course there are plenty people still out there pointing fingers. Following is what I replied as I'm objective enough to know it is not a matter of whose fault it is but whose going to take action to get us back on track.
I think personally that we really need to be passed these pointing fingers of who inherited what from whom and how they got it. If you read history, this sort of reaction to the economy was coming for the last 40 years. It has been clearly stated by every president in a state of the union message. We need to do something, or future generations will suffer. What will we do? They always brought it up, always said where we need to focus but never had any answers and each has simply passed it down.
Despite who is at fault and who dropped the ball and who should keep running, we need to be more focused on what government as a whole will do to cure the issues at hand. Voting to me is an awesome responsibility but if it is merely just a knee jerk reaction to get the public to listen to the promises and the typical election is won by someone who says their interest is that of the populist and the result being voted electoral college which is really a joke in my book since you have no clue who’s voting for the people or for their own pocket book and no one is going to listen, then the general population needs to react differently.
The main issue is not who’s fault it is but reducing the amount government gets toward spending and the lobbyist who continue to fund their own causes leaving we the people groveling in lines trying to show we’re not spoiled, wasted, or the bad omen of unemployment. The focus from main stream politicians should not worry about the Ob-care right now, or other controversial programs that support bogus pork, but it should be full focus on building a better public confidence so companies will have the want to train and put people back to work. Being unemployed is not only hurting the jobless population, it is also hurting business in general and the government. No taxes in, no taxes out. No money made, no product purchased.
Until mainstream realizes that they may be capable of their own expenditures, they are really forcing the typical business to have to support the unemployed also. One way or another someone is paying something for someone who is unemployed.
We need to really get passed the blame game and focus on how to make touchdowns!
Showing posts with label The Job Hunt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Job Hunt. Show all posts
Monday, October 11, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Selling Yourself
During a Discussion I was having the conversation tip toward interviewing, here's what I said.
A sharing moment- As George said we are all salesperson. Most people IMHO do not know how to sell anything let alone selling themselves. Why would they. If all you have ever done were work a lathe 20 years, how would you even begin to sell something you know nothing about? Ever looked at a site where they have a title called "About Me"? What I have seen in those sections is, "I have a hard time talking about myself so if you want to know something just ask". Clear indication they do not even know about their own product "themselves". In my opinion, you can have the best-looking resume, but if you cannot tell someone about you, yourself, your resume is a waste of time. It is just pretty words you cannot backup. All throughout my career, I have been told I need public speaking classes to help me relax when I speak. I have gotten a zillion times better over time because like anything else you have to practice and familiarize yourself with what you are speaking or selling. In my case, it helped me when I was tied to sales. Although my experience has always been in management, sales was a new area to tackle. However, once you are forced to talk to clients and you do not want to screw it up you learn real quick what you say can win the client or lose them. As someone told me not to long ago, think about your interview as a sales call and think of it as you have a resource you are selling to a client that has a need and you have the resolution to that need.
In Mark D's mantra response to himself, one thing I always think of is the little train that could. I think I can I think I can I think I can and eventually you'll say I know I can I know I can.
As in sales, I have made myself numerous study sheets for my product "ME". I have my elevator pitch that I study constantly so it does not come off as just something I memorized. I want it to be as natural as if I did it today, yesterday or tomorrow. I've reviewed my resume in and out and anything that sparks a potential tell me about a time... or tell me about.... I have a list of the words, I know what I did, but I also know the definition to those words so I know if I'm thrown a curve ball I am still able to reference my answers in my mind as to what is it they're really wanting to know. 2ndly, I also have a list of questions that I am familiar with that most of the time you are asked during an interview. I have studied these in and out with not just an answer but with live examples when things happen to me. I cannot tell you how many times I interviewed someone and when asking a question the response is, “um I can’t think of anything”. I have fallen short to that myself on occasions, which is why I came up with my own study guide. I carry it with me everywhere I go and when I have down time I study, study study.
Here are a couple of other things that might help someone. Others may say different or similar, but do you know a couple of things that will hamper an interview? The word "UM" or using the word "uh". Use it throughout your conversation as in every other word because yes they know you are nervous but it shows you are not sure of what you are saying. In addition, do you know why speakers will use the phrase "that's a very good question"? Typically because they don't have an answer to what is being asked so this gives the person just enough time so to speak for the mind to sort through all this information and come up with the answer to what is being asked.
Lastly, when your interviewer ask you tell me about yourself. In my experience and all the seminars and on behavioral interviewing I have always been taught do not tell them about your kids in little league, you wife how you love her apple pie, and how you just love sitting around watching football or NASCAR. This is not what they are asking. What they want to know is “tell me about you, professionally” not personally. These are tips I have learned over time that has worked for me. I am not a recruiter and play a terrible one online, but you would be surprised how simple little tips can make or break an interview. Although, I am clearly not a pro at this and I still stumble more so than most, I am still learning.
Bottom line is study, prepare, study, prepare.
A sharing moment- As George said we are all salesperson. Most people IMHO do not know how to sell anything let alone selling themselves. Why would they. If all you have ever done were work a lathe 20 years, how would you even begin to sell something you know nothing about? Ever looked at a site where they have a title called "About Me"? What I have seen in those sections is, "I have a hard time talking about myself so if you want to know something just ask". Clear indication they do not even know about their own product "themselves". In my opinion, you can have the best-looking resume, but if you cannot tell someone about you, yourself, your resume is a waste of time. It is just pretty words you cannot backup. All throughout my career, I have been told I need public speaking classes to help me relax when I speak. I have gotten a zillion times better over time because like anything else you have to practice and familiarize yourself with what you are speaking or selling. In my case, it helped me when I was tied to sales. Although my experience has always been in management, sales was a new area to tackle. However, once you are forced to talk to clients and you do not want to screw it up you learn real quick what you say can win the client or lose them. As someone told me not to long ago, think about your interview as a sales call and think of it as you have a resource you are selling to a client that has a need and you have the resolution to that need.
In Mark D's mantra response to himself, one thing I always think of is the little train that could. I think I can I think I can I think I can and eventually you'll say I know I can I know I can.
As in sales, I have made myself numerous study sheets for my product "ME". I have my elevator pitch that I study constantly so it does not come off as just something I memorized. I want it to be as natural as if I did it today, yesterday or tomorrow. I've reviewed my resume in and out and anything that sparks a potential tell me about a time... or tell me about.... I have a list of the words, I know what I did, but I also know the definition to those words so I know if I'm thrown a curve ball I am still able to reference my answers in my mind as to what is it they're really wanting to know. 2ndly, I also have a list of questions that I am familiar with that most of the time you are asked during an interview. I have studied these in and out with not just an answer but with live examples when things happen to me. I cannot tell you how many times I interviewed someone and when asking a question the response is, “um I can’t think of anything”. I have fallen short to that myself on occasions, which is why I came up with my own study guide. I carry it with me everywhere I go and when I have down time I study, study study.
Here are a couple of other things that might help someone. Others may say different or similar, but do you know a couple of things that will hamper an interview? The word "UM" or using the word "uh". Use it throughout your conversation as in every other word because yes they know you are nervous but it shows you are not sure of what you are saying. In addition, do you know why speakers will use the phrase "that's a very good question"? Typically because they don't have an answer to what is being asked so this gives the person just enough time so to speak for the mind to sort through all this information and come up with the answer to what is being asked.
Lastly, when your interviewer ask you tell me about yourself. In my experience and all the seminars and on behavioral interviewing I have always been taught do not tell them about your kids in little league, you wife how you love her apple pie, and how you just love sitting around watching football or NASCAR. This is not what they are asking. What they want to know is “tell me about you, professionally” not personally. These are tips I have learned over time that has worked for me. I am not a recruiter and play a terrible one online, but you would be surprised how simple little tips can make or break an interview. Although, I am clearly not a pro at this and I still stumble more so than most, I am still learning.
Bottom line is study, prepare, study, prepare.
Are We Losing All Hope
I was talkin with a gentleman who was frustrated with the unemployment system and was bashing everyone no matter what part they had in the hiring process... See what I told him in my opinion.
Your aggravation and frustration is noted, but at least you still have a mortgage to pay. Meaning you have not lost it all yet. Many have lost everything. In my situation, I moved back to my hometown and am living with a 104 year old and a 78 year old who has dementia. The only thing I have left is a vehicle and a washer and dryer, a television and a coffee pot, oh and my computer. How embarrassing is that to be of my age depending on two older ladies to aid me. One more month and I'm probably going to lose my vehicle. Now I'm really up a creek without a paddle. How will I get to interviews or for that fact a job if offered? There will be no more money after this month. No one else owns a vehicle. My biggest fear even over death is always hoping and praying I would never fall victim to such an ordeal whereas "could I be forced at some point to live under the interstate like many homeless do?" It is a scary feeling.
However, as determined as my elders are despite their setbacks they are determined to help in any way possible. So do not feel you are the only one out there that faces such issues. Moreover, I do not say any of this seeking pity and sympathy. By no means is it anyone’s fault but the economy and mine. Nevertheless as burnt out as I am since I give it 150% everyday I get up, try to put on a good face, and give it 12 hours a day give or take some down time and assisting to the elders needs as a contribution to paying them back for what they do, 7 days a week, I'm determined not to give up. Something somehow, somewhere by the grace of God, I will pull through.
I have found getting all worked up and bashing the system, companies and others who work for the system really will not stop the process. You can adapt or fall prey.
As far as children are concerned, I would not want to live in their days ahead as the future progresses. Surely, things will change and a systematic rhythm will take place that smoothes thing out for their generations to survive the way things have become. I feel that the great American dream has been stifled and harnessed and put on the back burner for now. Unless the economic fallout changes and the economy balances out to meet what companies are trying to inflict by reducing pay scales kids of the future will have it just as hard if not harder.
All I can say is keeping up with technology, being flexible, ready at a moments notice, is all the kids as well as you and I can do at the moment and keep proceeding and not give up. Despite seeking an answer for the WHY's and the WHAT is going on... it really does not matter, companies owe nothing to anyone. They could just as easily close shop tomorrow as to hire 1000's. It is the way the fallout has come about. I truly respect your situation and in reading your reply's I feel you're senior over me and I can empathize with you on the downfall of all your years of hardwork watching it go out the window.
Your aggravation and frustration is noted, but at least you still have a mortgage to pay. Meaning you have not lost it all yet. Many have lost everything. In my situation, I moved back to my hometown and am living with a 104 year old and a 78 year old who has dementia. The only thing I have left is a vehicle and a washer and dryer, a television and a coffee pot, oh and my computer. How embarrassing is that to be of my age depending on two older ladies to aid me. One more month and I'm probably going to lose my vehicle. Now I'm really up a creek without a paddle. How will I get to interviews or for that fact a job if offered? There will be no more money after this month. No one else owns a vehicle. My biggest fear even over death is always hoping and praying I would never fall victim to such an ordeal whereas "could I be forced at some point to live under the interstate like many homeless do?" It is a scary feeling.
However, as determined as my elders are despite their setbacks they are determined to help in any way possible. So do not feel you are the only one out there that faces such issues. Moreover, I do not say any of this seeking pity and sympathy. By no means is it anyone’s fault but the economy and mine. Nevertheless as burnt out as I am since I give it 150% everyday I get up, try to put on a good face, and give it 12 hours a day give or take some down time and assisting to the elders needs as a contribution to paying them back for what they do, 7 days a week, I'm determined not to give up. Something somehow, somewhere by the grace of God, I will pull through.
I have found getting all worked up and bashing the system, companies and others who work for the system really will not stop the process. You can adapt or fall prey.
As far as children are concerned, I would not want to live in their days ahead as the future progresses. Surely, things will change and a systematic rhythm will take place that smoothes thing out for their generations to survive the way things have become. I feel that the great American dream has been stifled and harnessed and put on the back burner for now. Unless the economic fallout changes and the economy balances out to meet what companies are trying to inflict by reducing pay scales kids of the future will have it just as hard if not harder.
All I can say is keeping up with technology, being flexible, ready at a moments notice, is all the kids as well as you and I can do at the moment and keep proceeding and not give up. Despite seeking an answer for the WHY's and the WHAT is going on... it really does not matter, companies owe nothing to anyone. They could just as easily close shop tomorrow as to hire 1000's. It is the way the fallout has come about. I truly respect your situation and in reading your reply's I feel you're senior over me and I can empathize with you on the downfall of all your years of hardwork watching it go out the window.
Friday, June 18, 2010
"You Can't Handle the Truth"
This blog is referencing people always asking why don't they get responses from hiring managers, recruiters, etc. whether it's a yes or no so they can moven on.
Have you ever run across this throughout your career, your dating life, your everyday living? People that say just tell me, "I can handle the truth".
Despite what people say off the cuff, I can honestly say from being a manager & on the dating circuit people cannot handle the truth. I know most will say oh you're full of bull Dennis. But realistically look at yourself & be truthful and ask yourself or go back & review past truths. As Jack Nicolson said,” You can't handle the truth”. Most of us from a psychological aspect say we can but it's our response that dictates if we can truly handle it. Dating a person and you want to break it off, what's the response, why, what did I do, I thought you liked me, what can I do to get you to like me- I'll be waiting for you when you get home with a surprise....you get the jest.
On the career circuit job hunting as stressful as it is; what response do you give or have you gave when someone tells you literally to your face, you didn't make the cut? You just weren't poised enough, your hair was grey, your tope was crooked, you used to many um's, a's, and you knows. They didn't like the watch or shoes you were wearing. Sure sounds trivial to most but what is our immediate response when backed into a corner? Why me, what did I do wrong, oh that company's an a**, oh Mr. recruiter you didn't work hard enough to get me in ... again you get the jest.
We ALL tend to get defensive or saddened and who takes the brunt of our responses but the one communicating the information to us. Imagine how a doctor feels coming out from an operation and telling the family members some bad news, he's gotta feel like c**p. In a lot of cases, not all; I'm sure the communicator feels just as bad because they have to listen to why you needed the job, and how little Johnny needs the operation and you don't have the money. Not to mention in such a sue happy world we live in can you simply imagine how many people would be in line to have an attorney just for someone saying "we didn't think they were yada yada .”
It makes sense to me although depressing and leaves you wondering what happened, where am I during the process to just let it go after a certain period of time you set for yourself.
Again I know you're thinking BS Dennis I can handle it, and maybe you can; one of the few the proud but you're just one person, look how many applicants are out there that aren't like you who can't handle the truth and make the whole entire effort counterproductive. Continued......
If people wouldn't be sue happy and complain about every little thing and able to “accept” <-keyword- that happens to them whether in rhetoric or real world experience; you stepped on my toe, the process could probably change.
I know this to be somewhat true from an example I'll use when having to lay someone off or fire them. Fortunately, I've learned when I've been laid off that it's strictly business & no one, absolutely no one is responsible for my future other than me. But to tell someone you're laying them off or firing them and screwing up their life is not pleasant task despite what they’ve done wrong. I literally experienced the latter of firing someone and had to contact the sheriff’s department to patrol the property for 2 weeks after me firing them. Sure they could handle the truth and the truth was in their vehicle, a 357 magnum. The person went loony. Sure recruiters maybe on the east coast and you on the west, but the analogy of truth is still a dilemma that can cause arguments or even stalking over the phone. A lot of people just won’t “let go” <- another keyword. The process won't change folks because we're all part of the process. We don't want to break bad news to anyone no more than others want to break it to us.
Of course this is simply just my opinions and my analogy and you know what opinions are like. I've gotten over the why they don't call syndrome and give them 3 days to 5days and move on still searching throughout those waiting periods just in case so I won't lose my momentum.
I know everyone who reads this can handle the truth, but for the moment, the system is stuck with the other 155 million that can't handle the truth! And that's my Psychology 101 class for today! :)
Have you ever run across this throughout your career, your dating life, your everyday living? People that say just tell me, "I can handle the truth".
Despite what people say off the cuff, I can honestly say from being a manager & on the dating circuit people cannot handle the truth. I know most will say oh you're full of bull Dennis. But realistically look at yourself & be truthful and ask yourself or go back & review past truths. As Jack Nicolson said,” You can't handle the truth”. Most of us from a psychological aspect say we can but it's our response that dictates if we can truly handle it. Dating a person and you want to break it off, what's the response, why, what did I do, I thought you liked me, what can I do to get you to like me- I'll be waiting for you when you get home with a surprise....you get the jest.
On the career circuit job hunting as stressful as it is; what response do you give or have you gave when someone tells you literally to your face, you didn't make the cut? You just weren't poised enough, your hair was grey, your tope was crooked, you used to many um's, a's, and you knows. They didn't like the watch or shoes you were wearing. Sure sounds trivial to most but what is our immediate response when backed into a corner? Why me, what did I do wrong, oh that company's an a**, oh Mr. recruiter you didn't work hard enough to get me in ... again you get the jest.
We ALL tend to get defensive or saddened and who takes the brunt of our responses but the one communicating the information to us. Imagine how a doctor feels coming out from an operation and telling the family members some bad news, he's gotta feel like c**p. In a lot of cases, not all; I'm sure the communicator feels just as bad because they have to listen to why you needed the job, and how little Johnny needs the operation and you don't have the money. Not to mention in such a sue happy world we live in can you simply imagine how many people would be in line to have an attorney just for someone saying "we didn't think they were yada yada .”
It makes sense to me although depressing and leaves you wondering what happened, where am I during the process to just let it go after a certain period of time you set for yourself.
Again I know you're thinking BS Dennis I can handle it, and maybe you can; one of the few the proud but you're just one person, look how many applicants are out there that aren't like you who can't handle the truth and make the whole entire effort counterproductive. Continued......
If people wouldn't be sue happy and complain about every little thing and able to “accept” <-keyword- that happens to them whether in rhetoric or real world experience; you stepped on my toe, the process could probably change.
I know this to be somewhat true from an example I'll use when having to lay someone off or fire them. Fortunately, I've learned when I've been laid off that it's strictly business & no one, absolutely no one is responsible for my future other than me. But to tell someone you're laying them off or firing them and screwing up their life is not pleasant task despite what they’ve done wrong. I literally experienced the latter of firing someone and had to contact the sheriff’s department to patrol the property for 2 weeks after me firing them. Sure they could handle the truth and the truth was in their vehicle, a 357 magnum. The person went loony. Sure recruiters maybe on the east coast and you on the west, but the analogy of truth is still a dilemma that can cause arguments or even stalking over the phone. A lot of people just won’t “let go” <- another keyword. The process won't change folks because we're all part of the process. We don't want to break bad news to anyone no more than others want to break it to us.
Of course this is simply just my opinions and my analogy and you know what opinions are like. I've gotten over the why they don't call syndrome and give them 3 days to 5days and move on still searching throughout those waiting periods just in case so I won't lose my momentum.
I know everyone who reads this can handle the truth, but for the moment, the system is stuck with the other 155 million that can't handle the truth! And that's my Psychology 101 class for today! :)
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