ANSWERING ADS PART 2: WHAT YOU FEEL IS WHAT YOU GET!

painting by Begoña Landi Pienaar, website www.becreations.jimdo.com

FOR CREATIVE AD-RESPONSE IDEAS AND INTERVIEWING TIPS I RECOMMEND THE SITE BELOW. IT HAS LOTS OF GOOD INFORMATION.

http://www.businessballs.com/interviews.htm#job-seeker_plan

One of the points made in this site (above) is: KNOW YOURSELF. I would add to that-- FEEL your best. Because "what you feel is what you get," not only in careers, but also in life. The enthusiasm, self confidence and energy you project in responding to help wanted ads and cycling through the interviewing and selection process is a reflection of your emotional state and feelings of confidence and self-worth. In fact, the process will be more a result of how you feel about yourself, than what you do.

What you DO will be inspired by how you FEEL, so in a sense it makes no sense to separate the two. If you feel good about yourself, you will accept the challenge to apply for more positions and know you are qualified. You will think creatively about marketing yourself. You will have the confidence to approach contacts and new acquaintances for information and referrals. You will be aware when opportunity comes your way, and have the willingness to explore it.

However, if you don’t feel worthy, confident, competent, and “inspired,” you may not be motivated to take steps necessary to find employment. And it is likely you will not see opportunities and synchronicities* as they arise. So, feel first, take action, second!

The challenge becomes FEELING GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF as you cycle through the challenges of job search. I am not talking here about superficial confidence (designed to convince others), but true belief in self. You may already know how to get yourself to a place of feeling good. If you don’t, and generally feel demoralized and lacking in confidence, read on. I have some suggestions (that work for me and for others, maybe you will find your own way!).

I’d like to emphasize that trying to change from feeling terrible to feeling great doesn’t work, so before you try any of these exercises I suggest you ensure you are in a place of relative calm and balance. (In other words, if you feel really bad, wait until you feel better).

Last week I emphasized the DON’T’s…here are some DO”s:

The DO’s

1. DO sit quietly in a place where you will not be interrupted. Close your eyes. Focus on your career history, and all the successes you have had. Go as far back into your past as you want to. In your mind cycle through all the major career successes you have had. FEEL how you felt at the time. Stick with that feeling as long as you can. Then go to the next one. (If you don’t feel you have had any successes, I would suggest you work with someone who can help you get back your balance. We have all had successes in the past.) Take as much time as you can with this exercise. Do it daily if it helps. I have a friend who starts with successes in school, for example, she was in several plays in high school, and enjoyed the experience very much. She goes back to that time and hears the applause, the laughter, the recognition, and “feels” her sense of joy and accomplishment all over again. The she moves on from that place, focusing on her successes later in life.

2. DO read your resume –really read it. Look at your talents, your competencies, your promotions. See your career successes in writing. Remember each experience, and how you felt at the time. Get to that feeling place as much as you can. By the way your resume should be a positive “advertisement” –selling YOU. So I am assuming you have a resume that does that!

3. DO something NOW that makes you feel good, even if it is petting your cat or walking your dog! Spend time with your kids. Try a great new recipe if you like to cook. See a great movie, read something you really enjoy. Consciously create time in your day that makes you feel better, and be aware of it. This is not wasted time. It is truly productive because it is assisting you in getting back to positive feeling about yourself. This is the energy you project, and which also comes back to you in very real ways.

4. DO continue to notice what is good about your life NOW. Keep a gratitude journal. Make a conscious effort to remind yourself about the good things in your life. If you are generally feeling bad, and do not remind yourself of the positives in your life, you can focus more and more on the negatives and the positives can disappear. This is an important exercise in times of crisis and uncomfortable change.

5. DO Practice interviewing. Have someone you know well and trust ask you questions about your background (if necessary, give the person a list of questions to ask!). Ask your friend to “critique” your interview and remind you if you are not selling or giving credit to that successful and competent self!

6. DO remember that action inspired by positive feeling can only bring good results (even if those results are that you feel better about yourself!)

7. DO take quiet time every day. All of my spiritual teachers recommend taking quiet, alone and absence-of-thought time every day. This connects us with our authentic selves. It does not have to be formal meditation time (but certainly can be). It is also very important to BREATHE DEEPLY at every opportunity during the day.

8. DO breathe deeply when you find yourself feeling stressed, fearful, unworthy.

9. DO be aware of your feelings during the day. It is easy for all of us to slip into negativity sometimes and –like positive feelings do –negativity can build on itself and add more and more –till we get to feelings of hopelessness. We have choice and control over what we feel. I am not advocating turning negative thoughts to positive ones instantly –I do not believe that is possible.

But we DO have the option of self awareness and choice.

10. Finally, DO practice as many of these steps as you can before you go to an interview. If you are in that frame of mind and truly feel good about yourself, it will show. In fact, it will make all the difference.

With warm regards, Jill

*"Synchronicity" is the term coined by Carl Jung, meaning (among other things) "meaningful coincidence.",

IS YOUR RESUME IN THIS PILE? GETTING INTERVIEWS FOR ADVERTISED JOBS Part 1

http://www.reecesrainbow.org/images/pileofpaper.jpg

A corporate recruiter- friend in the states told me recently that his job has transformed from searching for qualified candidates, to wading through literally hundreds of resumes for one position. Given the reality of the job market, recruiters now have the luxury of hiring people who are absolutely qualified for their openings.

This is what you can assume if you have answered any ad: you are one of literally hundreds of candidates. The recruiter or hiring manager will take possibly 1-2 minutes to skim your resume to see if you meet qualifications. If he/she does not see a match based on this rapid review, your resume will be placed in a pile with hundreds of others. But SOMEONE or (many) will get the job(s)! I would like to help it be you, if that is your wish.

I have done hundreds of interviews for a variety of jobs, both “blue collar” and "white collar". These tips are based on my opinion only, other recruiters may disagree. I have used alot of "don't's below, forgive that! Anyway, here goes!

Some General Suggestions:

1. NETWORK! Use your contacts, use your contacts, use your contacts when applying for a job. Did I mention using your contacts? This is absolutely best way to get an interview and a new job, no question about it. Someone within the company (or someone whose opinion is valued by the hiring manager) who has recommended you puts you ahead of all other candidates for the job . Anyone who can recommend you will give you an advantage. And the higher your friend is in the company job-title wise, the better chance you will have. Talk to all of your colleagues and bosses, former and current. friends, relatives, acquaintances, and if you can get a contact, even if you don’t know the person well, do so. If you have had a positive working relationship with former bosses, call them and see if they can help. Do you belong to Facebook? Use it for contacts. Do you belong to LinkedIn? Use it for contacts. Join networking-oriented groups and use them.

2. ASK YOUR CONTACT TO CALL THE HIRING MANAGER ON YOUR BEHALF (if appropriate) If you can get to the recruiter or hiring manager using your REFERRAL via telephone or email, do so. Obviously not as a pest, but to have a brief chat so that you stand out as a candidate.

3. USE A HEADHUNTER/RECRUITER (at no fee to you) if you can. You will probably first have to respond to a job-opening ad the agency has placed. If your experience is senior enough, you may use an executive recruiter. Make no mistake; recruiters will not work with you if they do not believe they can make money from placing you. So, if a recruiter agrees to work with you as a candidate that is a very positive sign. A recruiter/headhunter can save you a lot of work. There are specialty placement firms, for example for executives, for Human Resources people and for IT people. Use one of them if you can. Speak with a recruiter on staff and talk to them about your job possibilities. I do not believe in candidate- paid fees to headhunters, but I understand the realities of the job market. If you do pay a headhunter or an on-line service that entitles you to search job openings, speak with someone in the agency first, at length, and make sure you trust them. There are never “guarantees,” but do ensure they are trustworthy.

4. DON’T WASTE TIME ON NATIONAL OR INTERNATIONAL JOB OPPORTUNITY WEBSITES, like Monster board for example. (There is one exception and that is a job for which you are well- qualified within your own regional area.) These sites just receive too many candidates to allow even qualified ones to be seen. If you want to use them, post your resume on the site. And you can also get a good sense of what kinds of jobs are actually open, by looking at the list of openings. In my opinion these sites are helpful only for information.

5. DON’T EXPECT TO BE RELOCATED. Apply for jobs within your area. If you plan to relocate to another city tell the company you do, give them a relocation date, and do not imply your coming to that city is dependent on their hiring you. Tell them you are definitely relocating. Tell them you will come for an interview at anytime at your own expense.

Cover Letter/Resume:

When you identify a job for which you are qualified, write a 1-page cover letter addressing exactly why and how, succinctly, you meet each major job requirement. Express your sincere desire to be considered for the position. Mention anyone you know that the recruiter or hiring manager may know (who will speak highly of you.) In fact if you can say: “I was referred to by our mutual friend, Joe Smith, Manager IT”, if you can’t get Joe to call for you! If you do not meet the majority of requirements do not apply (and do not say “I can learn” in your cover letter for any requirement).

Here is an example of a cover letter format, for a Customer Service Manager position. Many recruiters like this format:

Your requirements My qualifications

5+ years as a CS Manager in Telecoms 7 years CS Manager with Nortel

Management of teams to 50 Managed 2 teams of up to 75 people Responsible for customer satisfaction Customer survey feedback consistently 95% high

(Demonstrated success)

Your resume will "fill in the gaps" here, but you have addressed their requirements in your cover letter. Ensure your resume is accurate and up to date. Your resume will reflect your background and should be written with the job you apply for in mind. That means you may have to redo your resume every time you apply for a job. Your resume should be no more than 2 pages plus a one-page cover letter (if you are in Europe, it may be longer). Your resume should emphasize achievements in each position you have held. Be prepared with references, names, numbers, and letters already written on your behalf, if you can. There is lots of online help with resume writing, use it if you are in doubt about your resume. Attach a picture if you can.

Do apply for jobs for which you are absolutely qualified –but not too overqualified (for example, it is an individual contributor, and you have been a Manager or Director-level. Companies may believe you will leave as soon as you find a better job, or will want to promote within too quickly.) Do not apply for a "Trainee" position unless you are applying for a specifically posted trainee position and meet all requirements.

Interviewing and Pre-Screening

1. Expect to be telephone-screened or answer a few questions by email before you are invited in. This may be done by a recruiter in the company or by the hiring manager. Do not say you will wait and explain your background in person to the hiring manager. Whomever you speak to first will probably have the power to weed you out as a candidate. If you appear relunctant to speak, insincere or lack communication skills you will probably be weeded out.

2. Say “my position was downsized” if you have been laid off (made redundant). This makes it less about you and more about your job being eliminated.

3. In all interviews, listen carefully, and answer all questions thoroughly and succinctly. If you are an Extrovert, remember not to talk too much, if you are an Introvert, be sure to be thorough in your explanations and responses.

4. Be prepared to discuss your background in-depth. Be prepared with examples. If you get the dreaded (and ridiculous) “what are your weaknesses” question, make sure your response is not too dramatic. I have had people say in interviews: “I seem to always have a problem with my boss.” Think carefully about a non-provocative response such as, “I am sometimes impatient with myself”.

5. Be sincere. You are also being looked at as a colleague and contributor. Interviewers/hiring Managers want to work with someone they can get along with.

6. Good interviewers will always ask you for examples, so be prepared to discuss the details of your work experience in a positive way. Sell yourself! Be candid about your career accomplishments!

7. Do not try to “convince” a recruiter/hiring manager you are qualified for a job if he/she has indicated you aren’t appropriate for it.

8. Do your homework before the interview, look up the company on the internet, talk with your contact, and find out as much as you can. Be prepared with a few questions of your own. (“What do you like most personally about your job, or this company? What do you find most challenging? What was the effect of the recent reorganization? Get the interviewer to speak.) Don’t ask what the pay is or what you can expect to get paid at the first interview, unless the interview is for a “nonexempt” –blue collar type position, in a factory or retail store for example. Typically in that situation the salary and hours will be explained. If you are exempt-level expect to be asked what your salary expectations are.

9. Salary expectation: If you need a suggestion: State your most recent salary and say you are “negotiable.” Do not give a specific figure or say you will not work for less than any amount. Hoever do not refuse to discuss the issue of salary. I have eliminated candidates who refused to discuss salary with me. Salary expectations are one of the criteria for determining eligibility, so I suggest you stay flexible but be honest about what you have earned previously.

10. It is not recommended to ask about vacations or time off at the first-interview stage. Some of issues I am raising here may sound silly to you, but you would be surprised at the things people sometimes say and ask in interviews!

11. Ensure there is a follow-up plan at the closure of your conversation: know when you can reasonably expect to hear from the recruiter (just ask if it hasn;t been communicated to you). If appropriate ask when you can call back. Ask if there will be further interviews if appropriate. Get a business card. This is as much as you can do. If you do not hear from the company again, I apologize –for them! Companies usually do send out letters via email or post, but sometimes you will never hear from them again. A sad truth. If however you have been referred by a contact, you are more likely to hear from the company, even if the news isn't good.

12. If you are a final candidate you will probably be asked to come back and speak with several people in the company. Expect that (it is good news!) and remain flexible. 13. Be yourself! Be as relaxed as you can be. Interviewing is stressful for almost everyone. It is especially stressful if you are in a personal crisis situation. But remember your demeanor is being assessed also. If you are perceived as distressed or in crisis that will not help you.

I have outlined what I see as many of the important steps in getting an interview. *In part 2 I will discuss the “soft” side –that is, how you FEEL, how you act, and exercises you can do before you apply for a job -- to get an interview and to present yourself as your very best self!

With warm regards, Jill

Please contact me at jill444@counselingjob.nethttp://www.counselingjob.net/

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?

(Carpathian Mountains in Ukraine, internet image)

“ God dwells within you as yourself, exactly the way you are.

God isn’t interested in watching you enact some performance of personality in order to comply with some crackpot notion you have about how a spiritual person looks or behaves. We all seem to get this idea that, in order to be sacred, we have to make some massive, dramatic change of character, that we have to renounce our individuality. …So what is my natural character? ….. my dream of finding divinity by gliding silently through the place with a gentle, ethereal smile –who is that person? That’s probably someone I saw on a TV show.” From Eat Pray Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert*

The unique place from which each of us experiences life is truly that –unique. You have something to add to the whole, as exactly the person you are. You are a “hero” in your own possibly-quiet life, doing the best you can, learning to deal with negative circumstances, growing as a result of experience.

The true heroes are not the media-celebrated celebrities. Heroic behavior is not the adventure portrayed in films: it is dealing effectively and learning from challenges regular people like us face on a daily basis. Heroes are each of us, taking life, experience-by-experience, and being present for it as much as we can be (and that may feel “imperfect” at times).

It is not necessary for any one of us to try to change who we are. Experiencing life is about focus of attention and choice: we each have the capacity to choose negative energy and positive: within ourselves as well as externally in our lives. In behavior, in thought, in feelings. The hardest thing to do sometimes is to take responsibility for that. So we may feel it has been done imperfectly.

When we experience the “dark times” in our lives, we sometimes see the darkness in ourselves. That is self-awareness and that makes us whole. It does not mean we choose to exercise or even EXORCISE that darkness within us: it only means we are aware of it. It is who each of us is. And when we do exercise negativity; OK, we are human.

So why would we ever think we are unworthy, not qualified, unable to deal with anything life hands us? Why would we believe we need to be different than we are, whether that is in the midst of a career crisis, searching for a job, or any other experience in our lives, for that matter? Why would we listen to anyone but ourselves, and our own inner wisdom, which knows exactly we each want and need?

The key to successful growth and personal evolution in the career counseling process is awareness of and acceptance of self. Once we understand the extent of the true nature of our personal gifts, and why we DESERVE to spend our time sharing our unique gifts, why the world NEEDS that from us, we can better understand our hearts desire. That will be a relative thing to each of us: we are each unique.

Ultimately it will not be a better resume, building up your past, “who you know” or any external tool you think you have to use to get a better job. It will be YOU, your awareness, your belief in yourself and your deservability. That’s the real “heroes journey”! You think you are worthy –feel you are worthy—know you are.

There is no affirmation, there is no well-being program, there is no external teacher, and there is nothing but US to find that within.

We are each of us combinations of darkness and light. We are each “divine.” Our challenge is to know this and make choices in feeling, thinking, and behaving-- accordingly. There are no excuses. Now is the time to be open to learning it.

With warm regards, and right-there-with-you on your path!

"Words don't teach. You never get it done.(and you can't get it wrong) Well being wants you. Well being is the order of the day. You are not here as regurgitators... you are creators... All is well."

Quote from Abraham Hicks: (www.abraham-hicks.com)

Jill

*Elizabeth Gilbert’s wonderful book EAT PRAY LOVE is an honest and inspiring read for those of us who look for spiritual connection and meaning in life, whatever your “spiritual persuasion”. She reaffirms over and over that becoming at peace with exactly who we are, is the secret to our finding ourselves in life.

"REVERSE INTERVIEWING" --ARRANGING AND CONDUCTING INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS

Do you know someone who seems to have the “perfect” job? Or you know ABOUT someone who seems to have the perfect job (maybe they are not a friend or acquaintance)? Or perhaps you’ve heard about a job that seems “perfect” for you? Maybe you think: “Wow! That is a job I would LOVE to have!” Or even felt a little jealous about another’s career? Pay attention to these feelings! Your feelings are another great indicator of what you truly want for own potential career. And you can gather information from people already in the job/career, and use it to decide if it is indeed the job for you.

How can you do that? YOU can interview THEM! We so often think of interviews in terms of companies and individuals interviewing us – but as people searching for a new career we can also interview –for information! This is a great way to get information “from the horse’s mouth” so to speak! You can contact this person (or people) and ask if you may ask them some questions about themselves and their jobs. Truthfully, most people enjoy talking about themselves and their lives. Whereas you may not get a foot in the door as a candidate, you are much more likely to get a “meeting” with just about anyone, if you are there to ask them questions about

themselves! The purpose of this interview is fact-finding, NOT selling yourself as a candidate.

PLEASE remember this, because if you are secretly using this as an opportunity to try to get a job, the person you are interviewing will know it. Your “interview” will not be a success. I had a career counseling client once who was interested in a career in Human Resources Management. I was able to get her an “informational interview” with a former colleague of mine, who managed a large HR team and was very busy. My client used the meeting it to try to get a job. My HR friend was annoyed at me, and annoyed with this person for wasting his time. I encourage you not to be tempted to use it to try to get a job.

Let’s get back to the purpose of this interview. The idea here is to get information about the job and career. You must be sincere about that, because when you contact this person regarding a meeting, you will have to state in no uncertain terms that that is your objective. And mean it. So, how do you go about doing this?

You have your own style and ways of doing arranging and conducting meetings, but if you need a guide, here are suggestions:

ARRANGE THE MEETING WITH A FRIEND--USE YOUR NETWORK

If you have an idea of the job you are interested in, but don’t know anyone who does that job –ask all of your friends, family, colleagues or former colleagues, friends-of-colleagues, and friends-of-friends, for a CONTACT (someone who is in the profession and doing the job). This is where networking comes in. If you do receive a contact this way, ask your friend to call the contact first and let him or her know your objective. If your friend can make the appointment, fine. But you can also make a follow-up call to the contact and set up an appointment.If you can’t get a name this way; if your friends and acquaintances don’t know of anyone, use the internet. Find a company or organization that has this job, and GET A NAME (and phone number, and email address). You will probably not be successful if you contact a company or organization just looking for someone with the job title. Once you have identified a person to speak to:

1. Contact the person (by phone is preferable) and tell him or her exactly what you are doing, for example: “I am exploring new careers, and I am interested in researching a career/job like yours. Will you meet with me for ½ hour (45 minutes, 1 hour) so that I can ask you some questions about your background, and the elements of your job? I am gathering information, and am interested in hearing about your background.”

Response: “well, I’m sorry I am really busy these days and don’t have the time for interviews.”

Your response: “my purpose is only to gather information, and I am very interested in YOUR personal background, how you ended up in this job, and what the job and career is like.”

Response: “I am sorry but I just don’t have the time.”

Your response: “I would be happy to meet you at any convenient time.

(or take you to lunch at your convenience),

(or treat you to a coffee),(or meet you for a drink after work),

(or meet you on a Saturday),

(or meet you before you begin work).

Be flexible –not aggressive- but provide alternatives so the person will have difficulty saying “no”!

2. If you are sincere the contact will know it. Also, don’t lose hope if the contact has to postpone the agreed-upon meeting time. If the person is too difficult or consistently unavailable though, find another person to speak to.

3. Use your friends and contacts as much as you can. It is more difficult for cancelations when a person is doing a “favor-for-a-friend”!

PREPARING FOR THE MEETING

Be prepared by having a list of questions ready. Let’s say, for example, that you are thinking about a career as an elementary school teacher. You make an appointment with a friend-of-a-friend. She is willing to meet with you for an hour and you set the time and date. What are you going to ask?For example(You may want to start the meeting with chit-chat about your mutual friend – but ALWAYS begin by thanking the person for taking the time to see you. Let the contact know you will keep the meeting within the time parameters you discussed):

Please describe your job.

How did you prepare for this job in terms of your own background/education/ experiences?

What are the job requirements in terms of background/education/experiences?

What drew you to this line of work?

What do you love about this job?What do you dislike about it?

Can you describe a typical day?

What (using this example) inspired you to teach young children as opposed to teenagers or adults?

What would you say are the characteristics of a “successful” elementary school teacher?

You said you are in the classroom 6 hours per day. How much time out of the classroom do you spend preparing? (How many hours a week do you work?)

What surprised you about this job? Get real-life examples when you can (this is a corporate interviewing technique –always get examples!)

Tell me in detail what the various elements or aspects of the job are?

Where can you go with this job –or what would you hypothetically do next? (promotions, movement)

What is the pay level typically at this level? (This is a tricky one obviously so don’t get too personal!)

You may also discuss your background and ask for feedback –IF you think it is relevant and appropriate, and IF you are not asking them for a job. For example, “I am thinking of going back to school to get a specialized degree to increase my qualifications. What would you suggest?” Or, “I have some experience working with children in day care”. Do you think this is relevant?

You might also ask, if appropriate, if there are other people this contact knows who might be relevant for you to speak to.

You will think of other questions specific to the actual career itself. If it helps, approach the meeting as if you were writing an in-depth article on this career, and are gathering information to do that.

Keep the meeting within the parameters that were agreed upon –i.e. ½ hour, 45 minutes, etc. Listen and take notes. Don’t forget to turn off your mobile phone. Ask follow-up questions as they occur to you. Ask if you may contact the person if another question comes up. Ask for a business card, and give the person a card if you can.

FOLLOWUP

Send a thank-you note to the person, (via letter or email) letting them know how much you appreciate the meeting. Include your (email address) and phone number. It is also helpful to mention that if the contact in the future remembers anything else relevent to this career, or any other person you should speak to, to feel free to contact you.

Years ago I had another client who believed she wanted to be a journalist. A friend-of-a-friend set up an appointment with another journalist friend, a young woman, for the purpose of sharing information. The journalist was aware that my client was considering a career in journalism. My client was to meet this journalist at a cafe to chat. Of course my client had never met the journalist. When my client arrived, she saw that there were two other young women in other seats, but she did not ask either of them if they were the person with whom she had an appointment. One of them was, unfortunately, and was not impressed that my client, who wanted to be an investigative journalist, did not think (or was too shy) to ask! Just a reminder that behavior is important.

It is important to allow the contact to do most of the talking. Studies on corporate job interviews have shown that when the interviewer does most of the talking, he/she comes away from the interview with a more positive impression of the candidate (the person who hasn’t done most of the talking!). These studies suggest that when we leave a conversation and have spoken a lot, we not only have a positive reaction to the conversation, but to the other(s) in it, even if they have been silent! Take advantage of this human-tendency and use it to gather information about the career you desire.

Because the objective of this meeting is to provide you with information, as a result of this meeting, you may decide you are interested, or not interested in the career. Or it may inspire new ideas relative to a career, and other contacts to investigate. In any case, you will have more information about this career you have envisioned for yourself. Last, but not least, sometimes these informational interviews CAN lead to other unforeseen opportunities, especially when the person gathering information has conducted himself/herself in a courteous and professional manner. That will impress the contact! He or she may think of you first when the company is looking for a “trainee,” (these types of jobs are very frequently hired within companies based on referrals), or other position that subsequently becomes available. You never know!

Have fun with this and feel free to contact me if you have questions! With warm regards, Jill

jill444@counselingjob.net

*reprinted from Google Images