Finding a Job – Heel & Toe Method

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.

 

 

 

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