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September 6th, 2007
The criticisms listed below are those most commonly expressed by resume readers. There is not one way to write a resume therefore, you will observe many of the criticisms are exact oppositions. What will appeal to one employer may not appeal to the other. You should always attempt to write your resume geared toward the individual who will be receiving your resume. The following are 16 criticisms of resumes:
1. Too Long – not concise, interesting and relevant.
2. Too Short – resume doesn’t provide enough information to draw any conclusions.
3. Too Condensed – paragraphs and sentences are too close together and difficult to read.
4. Too Wordy – many words are repeated and could have been condensed .
5. Too Slick –your resume is so well prepared that it is obvious that a professional put the resume together.
6. Too Amateurish – not able to express yourself. Lacks professionalism.
7. Sufficient Data Lacking – the material is insufficient for proper evaluation.
8. Resume is too Gimmicky – contains words or structure that are too far from the norm and are unacceptable.
9. Poorly Reproduced –your resume is not put together in a professional manner.
10. Misspellings and Poor Grammar Usage – today’s technology makes it completely unacceptable to spell a word incorrectly. These two skills are mandatory in almost every career,
11. Resume is Dishonest – any part of your resume that is untrue is completely unacceptable and not forgivable.
12. Resume is Boastful – confidence is good but overall bragging is too much to try to live up to.
13. Poorly Expressed – if you are unable to prepare your resume in order to get an interview, get assistance from someone who can help you.
14. Objective Omitted –it is important that you understand the opportunity and gear your objective toward that opening.
15. Gaps of Employment not Addressed – if the gap is obvious it should have some type of explanation, if it is a short period of time it can be omitted.
16. Inconsistencies – make sure everything on your resume is consistent. Inconsistencies are perceived as dishonest.
Check you resume against these 16 Criticisms and try to avoid them in order to increase your chances for booking yourself interviews! Best Wishes!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
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August 29th, 2007
The title of this entry seems simple and yet, when you are job searching, you need to take it literally. When you are interviewing, you know that you need to prepare for your interviews. There are many factors that will be considered when it is time for a prospective company to make a decision on who they want to hire. You all know that they will be looking at the following:
Your past work experience, your tenure, your official title and position you held, your education, your skills, your overall level of professionalism, your ability to dress and present yourself appropriately, your confidence in your answers, your ability to handle difficult questions, your honesty, your body language, your consistency and your overall demeanor!
These are all areas you expect to be critiqued in an interview. One simple lesson you should not take for granted is your first impression. You need to be nice! You also need to be nice right away. Most professionals know that you must come across positive in every interview.
Sometimes, you may forget to be nice to others that may not appear to be as important. This is a common mistake and it has extreme consequences.
I am referring to people in a company that see you before you get to your interview.
The Doorman, the Concierge, the Mailperson, a Clerk, an employee and probably the person most likely to “make or break” you is the Front Desk/Receptionist/Administrative Assistant/Executive Secretary. Anyone you come in contact with prior to your appointment can quickly send a message to the person you are interviewing with. If you are rude to someone, they will not hesitate to make a call.
Most of the time you will meet at least one person before you meet your interviewer. The company’s Front Desk person will definitely make a quick judgment call and then will take their opinion of you back with them to the interviewer. The individual up front usually knows everyone in the company. It is their job to know who is going where and when. If they see you as a possible new hire, they want to see for themselves if you will fit in. If they observe you and you are nervous, quiet, and unfriendly, they will share that observation. If on the other hand they see you as happy (because you are smiling at everyone they see), confident (because you are making good eye contact with others) and friendly (because you are talking with the Front Desk individual and even saying hello to others if it is appropriate to do so). This positive observation will also be shared with your interviewer.
The bottom line is to Be Nice – to everyone you see in a company when you are there for an interview. Another thought – you may get a job with this company, and if you do, you want your first impression to be a good one!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
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August 22nd, 2007
I have decided to write on something a bit different from my usual topics. I have a subscription to a Website that is devoted to inspirational motivation. Most of you reading this Blog have probably read at least one of Jack Canfield’s books. He is most famous for his Chicken Soup books. This founder of “Chicken Soup for the Soul” explains how you can create the life you want. The following information is adapted from The Success Principles: How to Get from Where you Are to Where You Want to Be, by Jack Canfield and Janet Switzer (HarperResource). Jack Canfield’s Top 8 Success Tips were inspiring to me so I thought I would share them with you in hopes that they will have a positive impact as well.
We all aspire to have a fulfilling life! Yet most of us simply aren’t creating the results we want. We don’t have enough success or joy in our lives. Yet greatness exists in all of us. It is simply up to us to pull it out of ourselves. Here are 8 strategies for success. I wish you a great journey as you begin to create the life of your dreams.
1. Take 100% Responsibility for Your Life
One of the greatest myths in our culture today is that you are entitled to a great life—that somewhere, someone is responsible for filling your life with continual happiness, exciting career options, and blissful relationships. But the real truth is that there is only one person responsible for the quality of the life you live. The person is you!
2. Pursue Your Passion:
Each of us is born with a life purpose. Identifying, acknowledging, and honoring this purpose is the most important action successful people take. They make the effort to understand what they’re here to do—and then they pursue that with passion and enthusiasm.
3. Be Clear Why You’re Here:
One of the main reasons why most people don’t get what they want is they haven’t decided what they want. They haven’t defined their desires in clear and compelling detail. What does success look like to you?
4. Scientists used to believe that humans responded to information flowing into the brain from the outside world. But, today they’re learning instead that we respond to what the brain, based on previous experience, expects to happen next. In fact, the mind is such a powerful instrument, it can guide you to everything you want. But you have to believe that what you want is in fact possible.
5. Believe in Yourself:
If you are going to be successful in creating the life of your dreams, you have to believe that you are capable of making it happen. Whether you call it self-esteem, self-confidence, or self-assurance, it is deep seated belief that you have what it takes—the abilities, inner resources, talents, and skills to create your desired results.
6. Act “As If”:
Start acting as if you already have everything you want. If you begin by creating an inner state of happiness and abundance, and then do the things you are inspired to do from that state of being, you will end up having what you ultimately desire. When you focus on being grateful for what you do have, you attract more abundance to your life. If you focus on what is missing, you will attract more lack.
7. Unleash the Power of Goal Setting:
Experts on the science of success know the brain is a goal-seeking organism. Whatever goal you give to your subconscious mind, it will work day and night to achieve. To engage your subconscious mind, it will work day and night to achieve. To engage your subconscious mind, a goal has to be measurable. Where there are no criteria for measurement, it remains simply a vague wish, a good idea. Write down specific goals, and your mind will make them happen.
8. Be of Service to Others:
When your goal incorporates some aspect that contributes to the well-being of others, it accelerates the accomplishment of that goal. People you meet will want to be a part of an endeavor that makes a difference, and they will assist you to achieve your dreams!
Once I finished this Blog I realized how many of these suggestions are very similar to those of Barb. Maybe that is why I have worked with her for over 10 years! Her positive outlook on life is rare and I am grateful to be a part of her Vision!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
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August 15th, 2007
It is normal for you to feel uneasy during times of change. Changing your job is listed as one of the most stressful events that will occur in a person’s life. The saying that I have grown to love because Barb uses it in her training, in our office and also she applies it in her life! The saying is: You can not control the things that happen to you, but you have 100% control over how you react to it! If you think of anything you are currently dealing with in your life, this rule applies. It also allows you to stop and think before you react. Many of us tend to react on our emotions because it feels natural. When you are dealing with change, your emotions will automatically drive your decision on how you choose to react to the change. If you take a moment, actually try to stop yourself, then think about how you “want” to react. Next, think about how you think you “should” react. Often both decisions may be similar but they will still have glaring differences. If you are able to analyze the changes in your life, then you will handle them more gracefully. You have taught yourself to approach change in a positive manner. Many of the changes we make as job seekers are for the better. The process of searching for a job is stressful no matter what the outcome holds. Again, it is all in the attitude you take toward change and then even more importantly, how you react to the change once it has occurred! If you practice viewing change as positive, it will also have a positive effect on your actual job search. If you come across positive in your interviews, it will obviously increase the chances of you being the candidate they select. Even in your personal life, do you enjoy being around people who drag you down with “all” of their problems, or would you rather spend your time with people who are uplifting and fun? Maybe “CHANGE” is what you need in your life? It is just something to think about…
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
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August 8th, 2007
There are many things that can expose you to danger in the business world. One of those dangers is the simple mistake of what you wear. You don’t want to make a spectacle of yourself.
To start with, do not wear an ill-fitted suit. You should fit in the clothes you choose to wear.
Both too big and too small are unprofessional.
Another odd thing to avoid is having pockets full of a variety of items. These items make you appear sloppy and often distract the interviewer’s attention. If you need to have appropriate items with you, carry a tasteful briefcase or hand bag.
If you wear glasses, make sure they fit and are not falling off during conversation.
An additional concern should be your hairstyle. If you are a man, ideally keep your hair cut short. The current trend is for men to have long hair. If you do choose long hair, then keep it back and off of your face during your meeting. Again, it should not be a focal point for the interviewer. The following are some additional things to consider when you are creating your first impression:
1. Do not wear flashy cuff links (men)
2. Do not wear excessive perfume or cologne (both)
3. Do not wear any type of collar pin (both)
4. Do not wear any large jewelry (both)
5. Hair coloring that is an odd color (both)
6. Unbuttoned shirts (both)
7. Light colored shoes (men)
8. Loud ties (men)
9. White socks (men)
10. Any type of socks (women)
11. Tie clips, lapel pins, stickpins (men)
12. Large belt buckles (both)
13. Anything promiscuous (women)
14. Too many layers/bulky (both)
15. Gym Shoes (both)
Often, if you use common sense when selecting what to wear and how to accessorize for an interview, you will dress professionally and create a great first impression! Just keep in mind that you do need to put some thought into your choices. A good rule should be that if you are questioning an outfit, you should probably not wear it. If you are really unsure, call a friend or family member who you trust to give you the final okay! You want the interviewer focused in on you and on what you are saying, not distracted by something you are wearing!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
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August 1st, 2007
Once you have learned to “be you”, there are endless ways you can, and should, nourish your own character. By doing this, you will increase your self-confidence! You may experience set-backs but these too will teach you about yourself.
The Following Tips Will Help Build Your Confidence:
1. Always have a thorough awareness of and an understanding of both your strengths and weaknesses before you set any goals.
2. Do not limit yourself by remembering negative incidents that happened in your past. Forget the Bad and remember the Good!
3. Never allow yourself to feel guilt or shame over your actions, even though most of us do this to ourselves. Guilt will slow you down and waste precious energy.
4. Be tolerant of others. People make mistakes. You yourself have obviously made mistakes, therefore, be patient.
5. When a setback occurs that tends to undermine your confidence, stay strong and look the other way. Do not buy into any negativity!
6. Do not ever put yourself down! It is an easy thing to do and it is very harmful. This behavior allows you to engage in self-pity. You may even get pity from others. You don’t want it! A self pitying person is someone that will never reach their goals because they can no longer see them through their self-pity.
7. Be sure to let others in your life know what you need from them. In return, tell them what you can do for them!
8. Examine carefully each failure and disappointment that you experience along your way. These may be clues in both your personal and professional life.
9. You must always be in charge of the direction you want your life to go!
When you develop confidence, you will forget all about the “self” in “self-confidence” and become absorbed in living your own life! Then you will be the unique individual who will make the right things happen for you!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
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July 17th, 2007
Although it was not particularly a smashing surprise to anyone with a realistic perception of business, the discovery made by the Rand Corporation of California years ago was a revelation of dramatic proportions to the intellectual community: NOBODY LISTENS!
It took hundreds of studies to determine that committees composed of brilliant minds in the business world generally produced the most ineffective reports in the history communication.
The reason is because nobody listens!
The Rand Study found that each member of a typical control committee was so eager to be heard that he or she never bothered to listen to what any others in the group were saying during their turns to speak. Each was rehearsing a personal message so energetically that no thought was ever given to what anyone else was saying.
The same situation is frequently true of an everyday conversation between two people who are closely related in a business situation. The communication can also be with a friend, with a boss, with a family member, with a spouse, with a child or with a possible future employer.
How many times can you think of where you have heard this phrase, “You’re NOT listening to me!”
The tone of voice used to make this statement is one that you are unlikely thrilled to receive. Most individuals will frantically try to retrieve from their short-term memory what was just said. It is again unlikely that they will remember the pertinent information. When someone is talking, it is impossible to really hear what is being said!
What is most challenging is that you probably openly need to admit that indeed you have not been listening! You have been moving ahead in your own mind, assuming that the conversation is going in a certain direction and you can always catch up with it later.
But, somehow it has changed course and you find yourself all alone out there somewhere on another side track that is not switched into the main line at all!
Listening is an art form, and in order to communicate effectively, you must master the basic rules.
We all were born with two ears and only one mouth for a reason. Stated beautifuly by the Big Bad Wolf in Little Red Riding Hood… “The better to hear you with.”
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
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July 11th, 2007
Although we stress the importance of keeping everything positive when you are searching for a new opportunity, the negatives should be addressed as well.
We should explore some of the negative issues when interviewing.
There are 10 main reasons that people “bomb” their interviews. A very large Recruiting Firm actually conducted a study that supports the following information. They kept feedback for 200 job seekers and here are the BIG BAD 10:
1. Poor appearance, dress, and/or grooming
2. Inability to express views clearly
3. Failure to project self objectivity
4. Incompetence in projecting self-confidence
5. Lack of enthusiasm about the opening
6. Over criticism of former employers
7. Questioning their honesty
8. Lack of knowledge about their company
9. Lack of stability, too many jobs
10. Didn’t ask for the job
These are just 10 of the many reasons why job seekers have missed excellent opportunities. Make sure you avoid the above 10 reasons and be prepared for your interviews. You only have one chance to make your first impression and, you only have one chance to impress the interviewer. There are obviously many more than 10 ways to loose a job opportunity. Use common sense and avoid the BIG BAD 10!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
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July 6th, 2007
There are so many factors that play into creating your first impression when you are interviewing. One of those factors that is not addressed enough is your voice! Conclusions can be drawn simply by the way you speak. Whether those assumptions are correct or not does not matter when you are being considered for a job. You need to actually listen to your voice and analyze how you sound. If you have trouble being honest with yourself, ask someone you can trust to provide you with honest feedback.
The rate or speed of your words is very important. If you talk too fast you may be perceived as nervous, impulsive, disorganized, immature, or even “flighty.” On the other hand, if you talk too slow you may be perceived as lacking intelligence, unable to keep up with a fast paced environment, older or lacking overall confidence.
The best place to be is in the middle of too fast and too slow. You need to speak clearly, distinctly, slowly and thoughtfully. Try to pronounce each syllable, the syllables that are meant to be stated. If you are unsure of a word you need to look it up in the English Dictionary, never assume anything. If you keep your speaking at a medium pace, you are able to get your thoughts across more clearly and more easily. If you want to check your speech you can tape yourself speaking or you can speak in front of a mirror. Both techniques are helpful and will provide results!
Your pitch is also extremely important. If your pitch is normal, this won’t apply to you. However, if you have a very high pitch it can be more annoying than anything else. A high pitch is associated with women but definitely occurs with men as well. Part of lowering your pitch to a professional level is relaxing your speech. It is a difficult thing to accomplish. First you must learn to control any nervousness, which is difficult to do in an interviewing situation. If you speak too low you may be hard to understand. It may also be perceived as not being honest. It is also important in business to have a voice that projects professionalism.
The too soft voice is often perceived as a lack of self confidence, fearful and self conscious. The too loud voice is again annoying and can sometimes be an indication of feeling of superiority. There needs to be a happy medium when you are in any professional situation.
Verbal crutches are habitual phrases you use, they are extra words you throw in to give yourself time to think. The two most often abused crutches are “uhhh” and “ahhh”. Often people are not at all aware they use these words. Once you record yourself talking
you may find numerous “crutches”.
Another crucial part of listening to your speech is looking for any type of Slang words. These are very common with teen-agers. However, it is also common with adults who are not aware of the terms they use. Some of these Slang terms are “You know?, Like, No way, Cuz, Yeah, Aint, For Real?, For sure! These sound funny in this text however, these simple words can assist in a company taking a pass on you for their opportunity!
Be aware of your voice and realize the necessity to listen to your voice and analyze it. Practice and speak confidently – it will open more career opportunities for you!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
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June 26th, 2007
QUESTIONS YOU “CAN” ASK ON YOUR INTERVIEWS
Although the majority of your time in a formal interview will deal with you answering questions, you should also be prepared to ask some of your own in order to clarify issues or previous statements, and will also demonstrate your interest in the position and the organization.
In most cases, you should plan to ask your questions toward the conclusion of your interview. However, there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking appropriate questions during the course of your interviewing. Ideally, you want to strive for a friendly, ongoing exchange of dialog throughout the entire interview and therefore, an occasional question may facilitate this objective.
Always ask your questions at what appears to be an appropriate time and always in an objective manner. Each question you pose should signal to the interviewer that you are simply looking for additional information because of your interest in the position and organization.
The following are questions you can ask during your interviews:
1. When do you think you will be making a decision on this assignment?
2. What is the next step in your interviewing process?
3. Will you be considering either additional internal candidates or external candidates?
4. Can you tell me anything about the department supervisor’s management style?
5. What would be the typical career path for this position?
6. What was the reason the last employee left the position/company?
7. Do you think, based upon this interview, that I would still be a good candidate for the job?
8. Would this be an appropriate time to schedule our next meeting, since we both have our calendars?
9. Do you have any additional questions about my resume or qualifications?
10. May I please have one of your business cards?
11. How should we proceed at this point? Will you contact me or should I contact you?
12. Is there anything else that I can clarify for you?
13. What were the primary reasons the previous employee was not successful?
14. When do you need to have this position filled?
15. How long has this position been open?
DO NOT ask ME questions – especially on a 1st interview! Stay away from questions regarding:
1. Salary
2. Benefits
3. Vacation Time
4. Sick time
5. Insurance
Your job is to SELL YOURSELF in your interviews! The “ME” questions will be answered once you have had more than one interview with any Corporation.
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
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