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Less is More

By on March 28, 2013 in Career Success Tips

Less is More

Simple phrases make us think, energize us, and help us with our efforts to improve and reach new levels of understanding, happiness and achievement.  One of my favorites:  Be all you can be.    Here’s a valuable and proven phrase to help your job search, or career quest.  Less is More. 

Do you have a phrase that comes to mind or rings in your ears as a challenge or inspiration?

Focus your Message and Response

This applies to your job search documents as well as your conversations (including interviews).  Start by developing your success profile and then your documents (including your 1-page resume).  Your profile is your brand, your foundation, and is relevant to a possible employer. I encourage you to practice your examples and stories (preferably less than 60 seconds) for each of your traits/strengths.  Time is precious to you and those with whom you converse/interview.  Many have said that KISS is a powerful acronym and a way of life:  Keep It Simple, and Smart.

Shed and De-Clutter

Whether it’s our garage, desk, or mind, we can improve our lives with the acts of letting go of the past, embracing the future, and living in the present.  These are truly liberating actions.  Some suggestions include:  read Spencer Johnson’s The Present and being and living less in the past and future; try selling some of your `unused stuff’ and, consider sharing and giving and volunteering (whether it’s your time, talents or treasures).  Are you going to interviews with questions and an open mind or are you going with `all the answers’ and with `complexity’?  Most experts suggest that you leave the bling and bravo sierra behind.  Simplifying is liberating.

Think Outside the Box

Take time to think about alternatives, possibilities, and new directions.  Many have described insanity as `doing the same thing, over and over, and expecting different results’.  Remember that you’ve developed a variety of experiences and talents; and that someone needs you to help them solve problems and achieve their objectives.  Is it time to consider new objective(s) and/or a different and improved path for your pursuit of a new job?  Take Action and enjoy the journey, today!  Carpe Diem – one step at a time, one action at a time, and by:

  • Networking – expanding your circle with a call, a follow-up, and a personal visit.
  • Volunteering (offering assistance) and Learning while seeking your new position.
  • Procrastinating less and taking more (positive and improved) action!

GO for your quest with this mantra:  Less is more.

 

 

Finding a Job – Heel & Toe Method

By on March 13, 2013 in Finding a Job

Heel & Toe Method

Facing the closing of her retail store outlet, a young woman shared her optimism about finding a new job by using the Heel & Toe Method.  What?  It’s the personal actions of walking about, introducing yourself (with a smile, courtesy, and positive attitude), and asking for an opportunity to contribute and serve.  It is going directly to employers and includes these steps:

Demonstrating your Success Attributes

We continue to emphasize the importance of developing an understanding of your personal, Success Profile (your talents, achievements, and personality traits) that defines you.  You can make a difference in your documents by revealing who you are and how you work as well as with your upcoming interviews by providing lively and quality answers to a variety of possible questions.  By clearly describing 3-5 attributes in each of these categories and then practicing the examples and stories for each … you are prepared.

Action item – Review the list we discussed and re-think the examples and stories; then practice those stories.  For instance, if you are frequently recognized as an effective communicator:

When dealing with vendors it is very important to be clear about mutual goals and requirements (when the product should be delivered, billing terms, promotions and advertising, return procedures, etc); in the purchasing department I was able to eliminate waste in key performance categories and increase our profits by over four percent annually.

Taking Action

Are you exploring opportunities in all of the five areas of employment opportunity (print, internet, agencies/recruiters, companies – directly, and networking)?  It’s easy to get distracted, to procrastinate, and/or get discouraged!  It’s easy to fall into a routine.  Remember that a wise person defined `insanity’ as doing the same things, over and over, and expecting different results.   Consider the Heel & Toe Method as your reminder to move, try, go, and succeed.

Action item – Prepare and write down Five Daily Actions and then take action.  Try going directly to an employer or two, today!

Following-up

Demonstrate your motivation and persistence.  Many managers have told us that they value people who `really want [the job].’  Do you think that neglecting a thank-you (follow-up) note after an interview makes sense?  Research says that 90% of those interviewed neglect this gesture, and you have an opportunity to be one of the other 10% — the ones getting the job, the successful ones.

Action item – You’ve included your Success Attributes (in the documents and the interview) and know your key attributes that are important and valuable – don’t neglect them in the follow-up note and phone calls while remembering to focus on their needs and requirements (vs. yours).

In contrast, are you using the so-called Fanny & Finger Method (sitting-it-out and waiting for the phone to ring or for an e-mail response to your posted, on-line resume with your `mouse’ in hand)?  It rarely works when it comes to finding a new job.  Develop a plan, reveal yourself, demonstrate a positive attitude and take action!  Choose to be part of solutions and success.