Is It Too Much For You To Go to Work?

Carole Kanchier —  September 17, 2018
Is It Too Much For You To Go To Work?
Are you wondering whether you should make changes in your career – and life? Are you satisfied with your job? Responding “yes” or “no” to the following questions, may help you get a clearer picture of whether you should consider a job shift.

1. Is your body sending you messages? Do you have lingering colds? Trouble getting out of bed on a work day?
2. Are you constantly thinking, “I can hardly wait till Friday?” Do you often watch the clock?
3. Do you frequently daydream on the job?
4. Do you call in sick even when you’re not?
5. Do you arrive late for work often?
6. Have your performance and productivity slipped?
7. Do you have many disagreements with colleagues or superiors?
8. Do you feel withdrawn at work?
9. Does the prospect of spending a whole day at work get you down?
10. Will leaving the organization enable you to achieve your career dreams more quickly?
11. Is your work damaging your self confidence? Your health? Your personal and family life? Other life facets?

Scoring: Two or more “yes” answers suggest you are dissatisfied. The more times you said “yes,” the more dissatisfied you seem to be.

To nurture your career, act
If you’re convinced a job move is in order, go for it! Here’s some advice:

  • Define and overcome barriers. Describe any blocks that are preventing you from making a move. Examples could be fear of losing a secure income, pension or other benefits; fear that you will lose power, prestige; fear of having to live up to an image, making a mistake, or being embarrassed; not knowing where to begin a new job search; or guilt that change may interfere with relationships.
  • Know you have many exciting options. These include changing departments in the same organization, shifting employers, changing occupational fields, becoming self employed, taking a sabbatical or going back to school for upgrading or retraining.
  • Investigate alternatives. Research and planning will reduce risk. For example, if you want to return to school or start your own business, and fear reduced income, you can learn to live on less, work part-time while pursing your goal and borrow money from family or the bank.
  • Avoid guilt. Don’t worry about letting everyone down, or what your colleagues may think.
  • Avoid idealizing your former position. Don’t mourn a job that is no longer meeting your needs.
  • Don’t stay in a job you dislike because of security. Security is wishful thinking today. But developing positive attitudes, believing in yourself, working hard, and developing the will to risk will enable you to prevail.
  • Realize that change involves tradeoffs. Change may involve some temporary personal or financial sacrifices. But most Questers agree that in the long term, their gains far outweigh their losses. Greater satisfaction, independence, flexibility and control over personal and work lives are some benefits acquired.
  • Listen to your self. Don’t base your self-respect on what other’s think. Listening to your feelings will help you identify what you really want. If you make the move that’s right for you, you will succeed. Better relationships with family and friends are often added benefits.
  • Don’t make excuses. Be honest. If you feel stagnant, deciding to stay can be as traumatic as moving. Staying in a job with no hope of advancement or satisfaction is self defeating and risky. Stress, illness, and loss of enthusiasm, self-confidence and employability may result.
  • Don’t be afraid to fail. Setbacks are learning experiences. Successful changers eliminate much failure by planning and persisting. If they do fail – and they often initially do – Do they say, “I’ve done my best. I’m only human.” Then they figure out what went wrong, modify their plans, and try again.

Dare to change
Keep the following in mind as you pursue your goal:

  • State what you really want, not what others think you should have.
  • Write a paragraph outlining why you want it.
  • Affirm how your goal will benefit yourself and others.
  • Be prepared to make tradeoffs such as living on less while you return to school.
  • Work hard.
  • Believe you will attain your goal.
  • Have a support group or positive people with whom to associate.
  • Be patient as you work toward you goal.

Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, by Dr. Carole Kanchier, offers additional suggestions for enjoying your life work. https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/15084089

 

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Sharpening Job Interview Skills

Carole Kanchier —  September 11, 2018

Sharpening Job Interview Skills

Do you ace job interviews? Or do you need more practice presenting yourself?

It’s crucial to make a great impression at your job interview. The interview usually determines whether you will receive a job offer.

Interviews are a two way street. Both you and the employer are evaluating each other. You want to convince the employer you’re the best candidate for the position, and get information to evaluate the company. The employer wants to determine your qualifications and motivation, whether you’ll fit into the company’s culture, and your cost effectiveness.

The Mock Interview
To sharpen your interview skills, practice a mock interview with two friends. Ask one to be the interviewer, and the second to be the observer who will evaluate your performance using the following criteria:

First Impression
1. Is well groomed and appropriately dressed.
2. Presents resume targeted to position.
3. Demonstrates optimism and energy.
4. Talks clearly and distinctly.

Body Language
5. Appears relaxed, poised.
6. Has good posture.
7. Leans forward.
8. Maintains eye contact.
9. Maintains open position (arms not crossed, etc.)

Content
10. Communicates job objective.
11. Expresses why job is wanted.
12. Demonstrates skills relative to job sought.
13. Relates past accomplishments to job skills.
14. Demonstrates interest and enthusiasm for job.
15. Answers questions with confidence.
16. Turns weaknesses into strengths.
17. Asks questions about the job and organization.
18. Avoids “yes” or no” responses.

Closing
19. Asks when interviewer will make contact regarding the hiring decision.
20. Thanks interviewer by name for the experience.

Scoring: Two points for demonstrating excellent or very good behaviors, and one for fair behaviors on each of the 20 given criteria:
36 – 40: You’re hired!
30 – 35: You may get the job.
20 – 29: You need more interview practice.
11 – 19: You need much more practice.
0 – 10: You need to do more work on all aspects of career planning and job search.

Preparation is Key
Preparation is crucial for successful interviews. Before the interview, research the organization and the job. Call any contacts to get an insider’s perspective. Be conversant with the company’s products and services, and recent developments in the industry. Prepare questions to ask and review those that may be asked of you. Then plan how to manage and structure the interview to your advantage.

Be ready to discuss your background and to state the contribution you can make. Outline your top five selling points. Practice your delivery. Use a tape reorder or video, role-play with a friend, or get feedback from a counselor. Know the complete names and correct titles of all interviewers. Program your mind for success. Visualize yourself performing well.

Dress professionally. Take a note pad, copies of your updated resume targeted to the job, and written lists of questions and references. Radiate energy, enthusiasm and optimism. Confidently offer examples of how you’ll contribute to the company.

Be genuine; smile when appropriate. Listen carefully and answer all questions directly. If you’re unsure, ask for clarification before responding. Get information to evaluate the position by asking questions.

Don’t share negative comments about former employers. Never negotiate a salary until you’ve been offered the job. If pressed, speak in terms of a pay range based on the going salary in your field. Close the interview effectively by emphasizing your key skills and why you should be hired. Ask for a time and date to call back to learn of your status. Never turn down a job offer on the spot.

Send a thank you note within 48 hours after the interview.  Follow up with a phone call if you haven’t been notified within a month.

Before accepting any position, get all the facts. Note your gut reactions to the people and work environment. Get the offer confirmed in writing once you and the employer have reached an agreement on all aspects of the job.

Don’t take rejection personally. If you don’t get the position, ask for feedback on your qualifications and interview performance.

Practice makes perfect. You can enhance your job interview skills. Best wishes.

Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, by Carole Kanchier, offers additional tips for acing interviews: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963.

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Embrace Change – Change is Only Certainty Today

Carole Kanchier —  September 5, 2018

 Embrace Change – Change Is the Only Certainty Today

 Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life Shows How

Fall is here and many are wondering what to do with their lives. Fall, a season of transformations, may be the time to dare yourself to change, welcome new opportunities!

I would love to share my experiences on the career quest with you. Questers Dare to Change answers many questions adults have related to lifelong career/personal growth.

  • Strengthen “Quester” traits to succeed
  • Recognize and become what you were born to be
  • Handle anger at work
  • Test your job satisfaction
  • Grow in your current job
  • Look at retirement in new ways
  • Strengthen resilience, authenticity, creativity, and critical thinking
  • Use mind power
  • Manage time like the Questers
  • Work with purpose
  • Understand how job dissatisfaction affects health and productivity
  • Determine whether you’re ready for a career shift
  • Overcome fear of failure
  • Use your gut for decision making
  • Identify your fit in the career and life cycles
  • Protect yourself from layoffs
  • Meet people who have made dramatic career shifts
  • Complete self-scoring quizzes, and find your truth
  • … And so much more

Additional information is on my web site: www.questersdaretochange.com/book/. Paperback and Kindle versions of Questers may be ordered from amazon: www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963. Please request a complementary PDF edition of Questers.

I am available for consultations and keynotes; Contact: carole@questersdaretochange.com

Author Bio

Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist and author of the award-winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life and the forthcoming Arouse the Force Within You!  Dr. Kanchier has taught at University of California, Berkeley and Santa Cruz and University of Alberta, and served as visiting fellow at Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, Palo Alto, and other institutions of higher learning. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Are You Engaged In Your Work?

Carole Kanchier —  September 5, 2018
are you engaged in your work

Fall is approaching and many are wondering what to do with their lives. Fall, a season of transformations, may be the time to reassess life career goals, welcome new opportunities!

Current research suggest (by Aon, a global professional consulting firm, and Gallup) forces such as favorable economic conditions and greater workforce stability may be causing an all- time high in employee engagement.

Job engagement refers to the psychological and emotional extent to which people participate in their work, profession and organization. Top performers, who are engaged in their work, generally have high levels of job involvement. Studies show high job involvement contributes to high employee job satisfaction, morale and productivity. It’s also related to workers’ attainment of personal and professional goals.

Do you identify closely with your job? Are your moods and feelings affected by your work? Are you involved in your job?

Job Engagement Quiz
Answer yes or no.
1. I’m an effective team contributor.
2. I’ll stay overtime to finish a task.
3. I feel depressed when I fail at something connected with my job.
4. I dislike the type of work I do on a daily basis.
5. Most friends agree I get my energy from work.
6. I never work weekends.
7. I rarely have input into decisions made in my organization.
8. I do what I can to just get by at work.
9. I don’t feel included in team work and lack energy while at work.
10. I have sufficient resources and support to do a good job.

Scoring: one point for each yes response to statements 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 10; and one point for each no response to questions 4, 7, 8, and 9. Add your points. The higher your score, the more engaged you are in your work.

8 or higher. You seem to be very involved in your work, probably enjoy it, and are good at it. You may be active in implementing new ideas and bring value to your organization. Your job may be central to your identity. You generally feel good about yourself, are healthy, independent, growth-oriented, and enjoy intrinsic rewards. Your position may satisfy needs and enables you to express your purpose. You may have an infectious enthusiasm about your work that communicates to others. You take your work seriously, and your moods and feelings may be affected by work experiences. You tend to transfer your work engagement to others. But do learn to relax. Make time for fun. Spend quality time with friends and family members, enjoy leisure activities, and find time for yourself.

4 to 7. You seem to be moderately involved in your work and may be reasonably satisfied with it. If you are happy with your work and feel that you lead a balanced life, that’s fine. However, if your job satisfaction is low, consider doing something to improve it. With your superior’s help, restructure your position so that you can fulfill your needs and use desired skills. If it’s not possible to develop challenges or change your current position—and sometimes it isn’t, explore other options.

3 or lower. Your score suggests you are not even slightly involved in your work. You probably don’t feel included within the team and may also have low job satisfaction. Perhaps other aspects of your life are more interesting to you. Good! But low job involvement, which includes a lack of interest and enthusiasm, may spill over to other life components. It may even lead to poor health. If you really dislike your position, do something about it. Explore ways to restructure your job to make it more satisfying. Discuss your thoughts, feelings and job options within the organization with your supervisor. Explore other work and educational options or consider time out.

Strengthening Engagement

  • Clarify purpose. Identify themes: absorbing childhood activities, proud accomplishments, when you’re most energized, a favorite Halloween costume.
  • Be authentic. Do what’s right for you. Ensure actions are consistent with thoughts and feeling. Set goals in harmony with your purpose.
  • Build confidence. Focus on the positive. Avoid, “I can’t.”  Don’t compare yourself with others. Judge accomplishments against personal standards and strive for excellence.
  • Continue to learn. Read, take courses, volunteer. Challenge conventional beliefs. Recognize and seize opportunities. Find better ways to do things. Try! Place no limitations on yourself.
  • Strengthen courage to risk. Review three successful risks taken. Note what made these successful. Identify perceived barriers for taking another risk and explore ways to overcome these.
  • Manage fear. Identify worrisome issues. Minimize these using appropriate information and resources. Live in the present. Let go of “attachments.” Form a support system.
  • Restructure job to provide desired perks.
  • Move to a position that offers more challenge, autonomy.
  • Live a healthy, balanced life.

Take charge of your life. Become happily engaged at work! Learn from the Questers in Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

Dr. Carole Kanchier, career and personal growth expert, and author of Questers, shows how to succeed in changing times: www.questersdaretochange.com.

 

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Socialism – A Philosophy of Failure … Sir Winston Churchill

Carole Kanchier —  August 28, 2018

Winston Churchill quote: Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel...

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Praying at the Western Wall

Carole Kanchier —  August 28, 2018
A female CNN journalist heard about a very old Jewish man who had been going to the Western Wall to pray, twice a day, every day, for a long, long time.So she went to check it out. She went to the Western Wall and there he was, walking slowly up to the holy site.  She watched him pray and after about 45 minutes, when he turned to leave, using a cane and moving very slowly, she approached him for an interview.
“Pardon me, sir, I’m Rebecca Smith from CNN. What’s your name?”
“Morris Feinberg,” he replied.

“Sir, how long have you been coming to the Western Wall and praying?” 

“For about 60 years.”

“60 years! That’s amazing! What do you pray for?”
“I pray for peace between the Christians, Jews, and the Muslims.””I pray for all the wars and all the hatred to stop.””I pray for all our children to grow up safely as responsible adults and to love their fellow man.””I pray that politicians tell us the truth and put the interests of the people ahead of their own interests.”And finally “I pray that everyone will be happy”.
“How do you feel after doing this for 60 years?”
“Like I’m talking to a Brick wall!“
—

 

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What Does Labor Day Mean To You?

Carole Kanchier —  August 28, 2018
What Does Labor Day Mean to You
For most people, Labor Day means two things: a day off and a chance to say goodbye to the summer. But why is it called Labor Day?
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What the Colors You Wear Say About You

Carole Kanchier —  August 21, 2018
What the Colors You Wear Say About You!

 

Colors you wear may affect your mood as well as how others perceive you. Work environment colors also matter.

At a subconscious level, colors affect people in different ways. Colors can send positive or negative messages. Using colors effectively to dress, decorate your office, or design your website can put you ahead of the competition.

Research on the psychology of color demonstrates that colors evoke emotional, behavioral and physical responses. Advertising executives know that a product can have a completely different impact if the packaging color is changed. Psychologists have found that certain colors in our environment help or hinder performance of certain tasks.

Generally, warm colors such as red and its neighboring hues on the color spectrum are active, exciting. Cool colors such as light green, blue and violet are passive, calming. Reds tend to stimulate the central nervous system and increase bodily tension, while cool colors release tension. Meanings change with lighter or darker shades of colors, and different cultures have differing views.

Research suggest that blue is the most favored color, followed by pink, green, red, purple and black. Brown is the least popular, followed by white, yellow and orange.

Personality traits are reflected by your preferred color. Extroverts like red, introverts blue. Yellow is the choice of intellectuals, and well-balanced individuals tend to wear green.

Use color positively

Use color to trigger desired emotions. Surround yourself with favorite colors to lift your spirit. In addition to selecting colors that suit you, attend to how you feel and the message you want to project.
When dressing for important meetings, plan your wardrobe to achieve impact. If you wear more than one color, combine the meanings to create your desired effect.  Remember to dress with authority. The dark suit, navy or medium to dark grey, with a crisp shirt and contrasting tie is appropriate for men.
 
Red exudes power, energy, excitement and passion. It makes peoples’ hearts beat faster. Wear red when you want to be assertive, need an energy boost or exude sexuality. Red is effective as an accessory to project energy. Avoid red when you feel nervous, want to elude attention.

Orange represents creativity, confidence, joy, sensuality and ambition. It suggests vibrant health and has positive effects on emotional states. Wear orange when you want to have fun, heighten creativity or heal emotions. Avoid it when you feel restless, dependent, fearful, want to relax.

Yellow is associated with happiness, freedom, optimism and mental concentration. Yellow speeds metabolism. Some shades suggest cowardice; golden shades promise good times. Wear yellow when you need to attend to details, maintain mental alertness, feel happy. Use sparingly because it can be overpowering. Avoid yellow when you’re fearful, want to evade attention, relax.

Green suggests security, abundance, love, growth, luck and balance. It’s also associated with envy. Forest green projects conservatism, wealth, but olive green may represent illness. Wear green when you want to see things from a different perspective, need to feel grounded, calm, generous. Don’t wear it when you’re confused, feel stagnant, want to be alone.

Blue represents authority, structure, communication, dependability, trust and loyalty. Some shades or too much blue can project coldness. Wear blue when you want to exude power, have mental control, be conservative, respected or communicate an important message. Don’t wear blue when you feel isolated, depressed, critical.

Grey is practical, timeless, cautious, successful and solid. Some shades are associated with age, depression, lack of direction. Excessive use of gray leads to feelings of being invisible, but a touch adds feelings of stability. Wear grey when you want to feel self-sufficient, isolate yourself. Avoid it when you feel lonely, stressed.

Brown is associated with stability, honesty, practicality and commitment. Wear brown when you need to work hard, be a team member or organized. Avoid it when you want to expend energy, play, feel insecure.

Pink represents love, affection and serenity. Wear it when you want to feel feminine, lovable, need to concentrate and listen. Avoid pink when you feel vulnerable, insecure, fragmented, are giving more than receiving.

Purple is associated with prosperity, spirituality and sophistication. Wear purple to project wisdom, trust, release destructive emotions. Don’t wear it when you want to evade societal regulations.

Black represents power, elegance, discipline and mystery. Sometimes, it’s associated with evil and grieving.
Wear black to communicate an authoritative image or protect emotions. Since too much black can overwhelm some, don’t wear it when you want to establish rapport.

White symbolizes purity, cleanliness, safety, completion, strength and neutrality. Wear white to feel peaceful, convey a well-balanced, optimistic personality. White is most effective as part of an ensemble. Too much can project coldness, isolation.

Make a great impression. Use color to create your desired effect at business and other meetings. 

Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life offers additional tips for making a great first impression: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963.

A registered psychologist, coach, and newspaper/digital columnist, Carole Kanchier is available for keynotes and consultations: www.questersdaretochange.com.

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Integrity at Work

Carole Kanchier —  August 14, 2018
Integrity at Work
I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence.” – Frederick Douglass 
 
Famed 19th-century author and orator Frederick Douglass was an eminent human rights leader in the anti-slavery movement and the first African-American citizen to hold a high U.S. government rank.Frederick Douglass was born into slavery around 1818 in Talbot County, Maryland. He became a famous intellectual, advising presidents and lecturing to thousands on varied causes, including women’s rights and Irish home rule. Frederick Douglass has integrity. Integrity is the quality of being honest, having strong moral principles, and holding one’s self to consistent standards. In ethics, integrity is regarded as the honesty and truthfulness or accuracy of one’s actions.

Consistency is a choice we make. If you just had an argument with someone before walking into your next meeting, consistency means you will make a conscious choice to shift gears and release yourself from the negativity of the last conversation, not bring that to the next meeting.

Honesty and accuracy of one’s actions requires intentionality and thought. Behaviors, actions, and words should be honest, accurate.

Integrity stems from the Latin word ‘integer’ which means whole and complete. So integrity requires an inner sense of ‘wholeness’ and consistency of character. When you are in integrity, people should be able to visibly see it through your actions, words, decisions, methods, and outcomes. 

A person who has integrity is the same authentic person regardless of the situation. You can meet this person with family, friends, at athletic events, or boardroom meetings, and see a consistency in behavior, actions, and words.

Integrity is one of the fundamental values employers seek in employees. Integrity is the foundation on which coworkers build relationships, trust, and effective interpersonal relationships.

Integrity at Work

Integrity in the workplace fosters a positive workplace culture. One where there is open communication, good decision making, and a strong moral compass guiding all decisions and actions.

If you are known for your integrity, you will gain trust and respect from the people around you. People want to deal with an individual or organization that can be trusted to follow through with what they have agreed upon. To strengthen integrity, read on.

– Know yourself. Clarify your needs, values, skills and goals. Ensure that these are not reflections of others’ expectations. 

– Be Authentic. Be your genuine self all the time. Adhere to your purpose and goals.
 
– Build trusting, respectful relationships. Demonstrate you’re a team player who others can rely on. Communicate politely, honestly, and respect colleagues’ thoughts and ideas.
 
– Be honest. Encourage open communication between employers, employees, and co-workers. If you’re honest about dissatisfying aspects of your job, your employer may be able to improve the situation. Employers that are open about company policies and changes that affect the organization are more trustworthy from the employees’ perspective.
 
– Maintain confidentiality. In addition to facilitating integrity, confidentiality is a legal necessity. Employers and employees have an obligation to keep certain information private. Violation of privacy policies could lead to fines, penalties and possible lawsuits. Confidentiality instills trust and encourages sincere consideration of the privacy of others.
 
– Give and Take Credit. Accept credit for what you create, but also give credit where credit is due. Most productive, dedicated workers feel good about receiving praise or credit for their contributions.
 
– Value Time. Don’t waste anyone’s time. Be prompt for meetings and projects. Being late is a form of disrespect. Stick to deadlines, schedules, and arranged set-ups.
 
– Don’t Argue.  Don’t allow irrational emotional reactions to define the way you interact with the world. Learn how to disagree in a civil manner, and know when to just walk away. Do not send negative email messages or internet posts.
 
– Give Second Chances. Grant others the benefit of the doubt. Don’t assume the worst. If you suspect someone of lying or cheating but they claim otherwise, trust them by giving a second chance.
 
– Adhere to the Golden Rule. The Golden Rule is a reflection of respect for others. Treating others the way you want to be treated is the core principle of the Golden Rule, and an example of integrity at work. Practicing the Golden Rule keeps offensive comments and other disturbances at bay.
 
– Follow company policies. Policies are designed to guide you as to the best practices. Avoid use of company’s equipment or resources for personal use.
 
– Work Diligently. Show enthusiasm and commitment to your work. Focus on job responsibilities.
 
– Apologize. Don’t allow foolish pride to take precedence over rationality. Learn to say, “I’m sorry.”  This may require being the bigger person and apologizing first.
 
–  Be Accountable. Ensure your word and actions are justified, and can be explained. Define and follow through on your word or promise.
 
– Admit to and learn from mistakes. Mistakes are part of the learning process. Correct them, and move on.
 
– Tune into your intuition. Write daily thoughts, feelings and hunches in your journal.  Attend to what you write and how you feel at the time. Note thoughts and feelings that emerge when you finish. Notice how intuitive hunches feel different from calculated ones. Take at least five minutes of quiet time every day to listen to your intuition.
 
– Lead by Example. When individuals lead by example, they set the foundation for appropriate workplace behavior. Leading by example improves personal awareness, sensitivity to others, and accountability.
 
– Demonstrate Humility. Don’t brag or show off what you have or have accomplished. Feel good about your accomplishments, then strive to become better.  
 
– Strengthen Altruism. Enjoy enriching the lives of those around you, even if it means sacrificing some happiness in your own life for a while.
 
– Stand Up for Your Beliefs. Advocate what you think is the appropriate way of doing things, even if everyone else is acting differently. If you are asked to do something that’s not in harmony with your personal code of conduct, develop the courage to say no. Your integrity always keeps you on the right path. A person with integrity learns how to manage unethical or illegal temptations and winds up happier, healthier, stronger, and more successful personally and professionally.

Frederick Douglass and other folks who live with integrity are Questers.  They are described in the award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

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Are These Your Job Search Challenges?

Carole Kanchier —  August 6, 2018
Are These Your Job Search Challenges?
Have you ever been told you’re perfect for the job, then received a rejection letter? Has an employer said he’d call and failed to do so? Have you sent out several resumes and received no acknowledgments?
 
These and other job search challenges can be resolved by common sense, good timing, networking, research and confidence.  The following discusses common dilemmas and possible strategies for dealing with them. 
 
1. How will I know if an inside candidate is being considered for the job?Ask interviewers. Find out the candidate’s strengths, how her background compares to yours, whether the company favors inside candidates, and if so, how likely the insider will accept an offer. This will facilitate candid communication. Interviewers’ responses to questions will supply answers and enable you to develop an argument for your candidacy.
 
2. I was offered a position, pending budget approval and sign-off from a senior executive, and advised I would receive an offer within two weeks.  Five weeks and several unanswered phone messages later, I got the employer who coolly told me they still needed budget approval and the signature.
 
Write a letter indicating you’re open to renegotiation of the compensation package should there be a snag in budget allocation, and that you’d be happy to meet with his superior to expedite a decision. This will show you’re sensitive to the employer’s needs and are flexible about compensation. The employer will appreciate your patience and flexibility.
 
3. An interviewer said he’ll make a decision within two weeks, but it’s now three weeks and I haven’t been contacted. I have an impending offer from another company. What should I do?
 
It’s common for employers to procrastinate when making hiring decisions. Call your contact to determine whether a decision has been made.  Advise the company that you have an impending offer from another company, but prefer this organization. This shows you believed they’d contact you as promised, and since another company is competing for you, time is critical.
 
4. I left my job after personality conflicts with my supervisor. How do I approach this subject in interviews?
 
Don’t approach it. If the prospective employer asks why you left, say you need more challenge, or other. Try to maintain control over the interview. Focus on the prospective position. Anticipate and answer questions. Show why you want to work for the company. Confidently demonstrate how your accomplishments can contribute to the company’s bottom line. Ask relevant questions such as challenges the prospective employee will face, and examples of situations they’d like handled. Demonstrate how you’d resolve problems.
 
5. Are job websites effective ways to find jobs? I’ve sent resumes to several employers with no success.
 
Sending resumes over the internet is ineffective.  Few employers can respond to the thousands of people who answer ads. Research your desired jobs and companies. Know each company’s products and services; become conversant with recent developments in the industry. NETWORK.  Identify company contacts who can introduce you to decision makers. Get your resume to hiring managers. Follow-up contacts. If nobody responds, call or email again. Don’t take rejection personally.
 
6. A prospective employer called to schedule a phone interview. How can I prepare?
 
Employers usually call to schedule interviews. Take these seriously. Prepare. Dress professional, smile. Stand or sit tall. You’ll feel and speak professional.  Have your resume, other documents and paper handy to take notes and jot down questions. Prepare a loose script with key words and ideas you’d like to present. Write names and titles of everybody as you’re introduced. Listen attentively.
 
If an employer calls without a prearranged appointment, and you’re not prepared, excuse yourself politely and offer to return the call at a mutually convenient time. Follow-up with a thank you note.
 
Final suggestions
Never accept or decline a job offer on the spot. Show enthusiasm, but don’t commit. Thank the interviewer and ask for time to consider it. Don’t focus solely on what’s in it for you. Consider what you can contribute. Evaluate the offer thoroughly. Know how the position will use your skills and match needs and other important criteria. If a decision doesn’t feel right, request a deadline extension. Negotiate desired changes. Once you and the employer have agreed on everything, get the offer confirmed in writing.
Dr. Carole Kanchier, psychologist, coach, speaker, digital/newspaper columnist and author of award-winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job  and Life, helps individuals and organizations dare to change. https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/150840896.

 

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