Blog - Questers

Advance Your Career: Tell The Truth

August 18, 2019

‘Honesty is more than not lying. It is truth telling, truth speaking, truth living, truth loving.’ James E. Faust

Have you ever lied at work? Do you tell half-truths to get the sale or job? Do you keep promises?

What does this quiz say about you?

Answer yes or no.

1. I’ve lied on my resume or fudged reports.

2. I call in sick when I’m not.

3. I surf the internet on company time.

4. I fail to disclose pertinent information.

5. I’ve cheated on school or employment tests.

6. I’d tell a face-saving lie to protect my career.

7. I exaggerate the truth or tell white lies to avoid hurting someone.

8. I’ve stolen office supplies or padded expense accounts.

9. I lie to better serve my employer or clients.

10. I’ve copied software or reproduced cassettes.

Scoring: One point for each “yes.” The higher your score, the more you could enhance honesty.

Lying is stressful, and stress harms health and accelerates aging. Frequent lying and fear of exposure keeps your body’s “fight or flight” response on. Long term activation of this system may result in health conditions like heart disease.

The Pinocchio Effect also kicks in when you lie. The temperature in the muscles around the nose becomes hotter, according to Emilio Milán and Elvira López at the University of Granada. There is corresponding action in the insular cortex of the brain which controls emotions. Fear of being caught in a lie increases activity in the insular cortex, leading to more heat emanating from the nose. The researchers called this the Pinocchio effect. In Walt Disney’s Pinocchio, the boy puppet’s lies are revealed whenever his wooden nose grows.

Lying damages a person’s self respect and credibility. Dishonesty also affects company productivity. Using company time and stealing small items add up. Honest employees pay for others’ lack of integrity through stricter rules, or other..

Why people lie

Children learn to lie. Many don’t view cheating on exams as unethical. Dishonest behavior is encouraged when schools fail to show disapproval of students’ cheating. The same message is given when parents cheat on taxes. Children learn all methods for achieving goals are justified.

We fib because we need to appear competent, want to avoid hurt or conflict, desire to protect our jobs, or not rock the boat. Some workers may lie about a sick child to protect themselves from taking another business trip. Others who call in sick are tending to personal needs. Not all supervisors understand employees’ need for family or relaxation time. Business behaviors such as not disclosing pertinent information or selling defective goods are rationalized along the same lines.

Political and business leaders have lied for centuries. Recent studies conducted by Paul Piff, social psychologist, at the University of California, Irvine, found that self-interests tend to spur the elite to lie and cheat.

Lies have hidden costs, not only in productivity and teamwork, but in a person’s self-respect. It’s difficult to stop, once you start exaggerating the truth. People who lie don’t remember who knows what. A major consequence is damaged credibility.

Various workplace situations facilitate untruthful behaviors. Employee dishonesty may be a sign of outdated company policies. Workers may take time off for questionable family needs because the employer has no flex time or personal care days.

Demonstrating Truthfulness

William Shakespeare offers sage advice: “Honesty is the best policy. If I lose mine honor, I lose myself.” Additional suggestions follow.

– Love and accept yourself. Know what you want. Surround yourself with supportive people who accept you for who you really are.

Don’t compromise your integrity and reputation by associating with people whose standards of integrity you mistrust.

– Speak the truth. Communicate in an open and honest fashion. Exaggerating your ability to meet expectations will hurt your status and business more than being honest up front. Truth and trust go together. Lies erode others’ faith in you.

– Say what you mean and mean what you say. Present both sides of an issue to ensure objectivity. Simplify your statements so that others understand your message. Tell people the rational behind your decisions so that your intent is understood.

– Keep promises. If there is a genuine reason you can’t reveal your position, such as when you’re negotiating, consider saying, “I can’t discuss that now.”

Hold people accountable when their actions don’t match their words.. If you have a personal bias or a conflict of interest make it known to people with whom you are interacting.

– Avoid compromising situations. If your boss tells you to lie about a given situation, gently decline saying you’re not comfortable with the idea, or offer an alternative way to achieve the goal. If you find yourself in many compromising situations, think about moving on.

– Shift mindset. Lying is a learned survival strategy that can be unlearned. Note what triggers your decision to lie. What fear (e.g., being wrong, hurting someone) is behind this choice? Why do you believe the lie will have a better outcome, and for whom? Reflect on your answers to uncover your motivation, and make needed modifications.

When you sense yourself crafting a lie, ask yourself. “What’s the worst that can happen if I tell the truth?”

– Visualize an image of your honest self. Focus on this image to maintain truthfulness in all situations.

Additional tips for maintaining truthfulness and strengthening other Quester traits are discussed in award winning audiobook, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life by Dr. Carole Kanchier:

https://www.audible.com/pd/Questers-Dare-to-Change-Your-Job-and-Life-Audiobook/B07VZNKGJF?asin=B07VZNKGJF&ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&pf_rd_p=34883c04-32e5-4474-a65d-0ba68f4635d3&pf_rd_r=TN801GRP49AWQSSYMDYC1

Dr. Carole Kanchier, registered psychologist, career and personal growth expert, is author of award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life. Carole Kanchier inspires people to realize their potential and look at career advancement in new ways. Dr. Kanchier pioneered the unique model of lifelong growth and decision making which she shares in “Questers Dare to Change.” www.questersdaretochange.com.

In Blog, Pulse post

Introducing Audible Questers Dare to Change

August 11, 2019

Audible, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, shows how to succeed by being yourself!

Are You A Quester?

Are you a Quester? Would you like to be one? Who are Questers anyway?

Questers redefine careers and work! Questers are growth-oriented individuals with a sense of purpose, confidence, resilience, perseverance, and other traits needed to prevail in changing times.

Check your Quester traits: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/services-2/quester-quiz/

Questers shows how to realize potential!

Please review sample book chapters: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/book/excerpts/

Best wishes in your life career,

Carole Kanchier, PhD

Author, Carole Kanchier is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, coach, speaker, and author of award-winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential.

Contact Carole: carole@questersdaretochange.com

www.questersdaretochange.com

In Blog, Pulse post

Are You a Quester?

August 7, 2019

Are you a Quester? Would you like to be one? Who are Questers anyway? What personality traits give them confidence and courage to succeed?

Questers are growth-oriented individuals with a sense of purpose, confidence, resilience, perseverance, and will to risk. Questers redefine how we look at careers and work! Questers have qualities needed to succeed in changing times!

Check your Quester traits: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/services-2/quester-quiz/

The audible Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life is available:

Be all you were born to be. Audible Questers ashows how!

Author, Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, coach, and author of award-winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life. Dr. Kanchier has taught at University of California, Berkeley and Santa Cruz and University of Alberta, and served as visiting scholar at institutions of higher learning. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential.

In Blog

Are You Telephone Savvy?

July 28, 2019

Telephone Skills Are Crucial for Career Success

The telephone is the most common business tool and its proper use is essential for career advancement.

Talking with a potential client, customer or colleague on the phone can sometimes be challenging. Without seeing an individual’s face, messages can become muddled and meanings misinterpreted.

Are you telephone savvy?

When you make calls do you

State your message briefly and clearly?
Leave your name, organization and phone number, repeating these twice, slowly and clearly?
Give the full name of the person for whom you’re leaving the message?
State the date and time of the call?
State whether you’ll call back or you’d like the other person to calAsk for a return call at a time you’ll be available?
When you receive calls, do you Identify yourself
Use courtesies such as “Please hold while I complete another call.”
Offer to take messages when you’re answering for someone?
Repeat the caller’s name and number to make sure they’re correct?
Speak in a professional manner?

Scoring: One point for each yes. The higher your score, the more positive telephone skills you possess. A score of 8 or less suggests you should enhance your skills.

Review telephone basics

Knowledge: Before you make a call have the required information.
Goals: Know what you want to accomplish.
Attitude: Make the person feel you’re interested in him and the message.

– Make a great first impression. Show the caller you’re helpful, confident and competent. If a potential employer’s first contact is over the phone, she gets cues from your voice. What kind of impression are you giving?

Influence your listener’s reactions by controlling the pace, pitch, inflection and tone of your voice. Strive for an energy level that matches your normal conversation. A soft voice suggests shyness or uncertainty; a loud voice implies anger or worry. Be alert to your caller’s needs. If he’s having trouble hearing, speak louder, more slowly.

Speak briskly but pronounce words clearly. When you talk too fast, you sound hurried or excited and are difficult to understand; when you too speak slowly, you sound tired, lazy or uninterested.

Inflection adds special meaning to your message. If, for example, you say, “John needs help with his resume this afternoon,” you’re suggesting John needs help. If you say, “John needs help with his resume — this afternoon, — your indicating he needs help this afternoon.

Different tones of voice can make us feel differently — happy, angry, hurt, etc. Keep your tone attentive, interested and friendly. Smiling adds a pleasant tone to your voice.

– Be courteous, respectful. People are turned off by careless or rude remarks. Always say hello and identify yourself. Ask how you can help. Use courtesy words, “Thank you for waiting.” If you need to put the caller on hold, ask, and wait for an answer. If you need to phone back, indicate when you’ll call.

End the call positively, for example, “Thanks for calling.” Let the caller hang up first. This gives him control of the ending as well as an opportunity to ask further questions. Don’t eat, drink, or chew gum.

– Leave clear, concise messages. State your name and phone number. Repeat these twice. Give the name of the person you’re calling and date and time you called. If the person doesn’t return your call, phone again a few days later. For other message skills, review the telephone savvy questions.

If an employer calls, and you’re not prepared for the session, ask the employer if you can return the call, or if he can call back at a mutually convenient time. This gives you time to prepare.

Keep the forgoing in mind when you call or receive phone calls. Your confidence and career advancement will improve as you hone your phone skills.

Additional tips for strengthening telephone and other job skills are discussed in award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life: http://www.amazon.com/Questers-Darhange-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

Visit Carole Kanchier’s blog for more tips to enhance personal and professional growth. www.questersdaretodhange.com/blog

Author bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, coach, speaker, and author of groundbreaking, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life. 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.

In Blog, Pulse post

What the Colors You Wear Say About You

July 14, 2019

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.

Additional tips for growing your life career are found in award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963.The Dr. Carole Kanchier is a registered psychologist, coach, and newspaper/digital columnist, Carole Kanchier is available for keynotes and consultations: www.questersdaretochange.com.

In Pulse post

Summer Solstice: Grow Your Career

June 24, 2019

Summer Solstice - Put Fresh Life Into Your Job Search

Friday, June 21, 2019, was the Summer Solstice in the northern hemisphere. It was the longest day and the shortest night of the year, and the beginning of summer. The summer solstice is honored in several cultures as the union between heaven and earth. As we emerge out of spring, where we were in a period of renewal, birthing new ideas, and shedding icy layers, we slowly grow into summer, a time of manifestation and ripening of fruit. Summer is an ideal time to set intentions and state goals for the rest of the year. Below are suggestions for starting the summer off right.

– Unleash your spirit. The summer solstice enables us to take advantage of the light that can help us release burdens, doubts, and fears, so we can become open to new opportunities. Enjoy and bask in the sun. Connect with your inner child, and take time to play.

– Listen to your inner self. Pay attention to your dreams, sorrows and beliefs. Reflect on ideas that have been sizzling in your mind since spring. Ask yourself, “What progress have I made in the past year?” “What do I want to accomplish within the next year?” “What goals do I want to attain before the end of the year?” What can I do to attain these goals?” What people, resources, skills, and other do I need to attain my goals?”

– Make friends with your inner child. List things parents warned you about. Examine attitudes and beliefs you developed as a result of these teachings. Do admonitions like “Never question authority,” “Boys don’t cry,” apply today? Examining long-held beliefs opens you up to new ways of seeing things.

– Rise early. Watching the sun rise is a powerful reminder of nature’s cycles we often take for granted. Wake up with the sun. Watch it rise. When the sun is low in the sky, you can stare into it, fill your eyes and body with light.

– Restructure work time. List your job energizes and stressors. Concentrate on the positive responsibilities, and intersperse negative activities with short breaks and rewards. Avoid unnecessary meetings and delegate.

– Develop a positive outlook. See the glass half full instead of half empty. Reinforce the positive in yourself and others. Most of all, develop a sense of humor and learn to laugh at yourself. Smell the roses. Enjoy small pleasures such as walking in the park or watching toddlers play.

– Be active. The ancient Greeks and Romans saw real meaning in the summer solstice. Many festivals were held at this time. An important festival was the run-up to the Olympic games. The summer solstice marked the one-month count down to the athletic games. Start your new exercise regime during this summer solstice.

– Spring clean. For the ancient Romans, the summer solstice was time to celebrate the home and family. Use this summer solstice time to care for home and work chores like cleaning your work office or home attic.

– Plant a tree. For the ancient Chinese, the summer solstice was a time to celebrate the earth by giving back to it. Plant a tree in your backyard or a local park. Help clean up a public place or work with your neighbors to sweep trash off the streets.

– Have a bonfire, but ensure the fire is out before retiring for the night. Sitting around the bonfire and talking with friends, co-workers and family, may be the quintessential summer activity. It’s also what the ancient Vikings of Scandinavia did to celebrate the summer solstice.

– Plan a trip. The longer and warmer summer days allow travelers more time to see sights and explore cultural and geographic destinations. For example, Stonehenge in England, built by the Druids thousands of years ago, gathered at this remarkable landmark to mark the summer solstice.

– Express gratitude. Remind yourself of what you are grateful for. When you focus on what you have, rather than what you lack, you emanate the energy of abundance. And the truth is we all have something to be grateful for!

– Find something stimulating in each day. Seek challenges at work or in leisure activities. Respect yourself. Engage in positive self-talk. Tell yourself, “I’m OK just as I am,” or “I’m human and I’ll make mistakes.” Reward yourself. Realize that you don’t always have to prove anything or excel over others.

– Draw or doodle. Write a question that clearly states what you want to know. Underneath it, draw whatever flows though your hands. Use your intuitive skills to interpret the meaning and symbols in the drawing. Note the sequence of steps and your thoughts and feelings as you study the drawing.

– Play mental games like “what if….” These require a willingness to think freely, so don’t close doors on ideas. Resist thinking, “Don’t be silly!” or “That’s stupid.” Lose yourself in enjoyable activities daily. Exercise, sew, paint, sing, dance, write, start a scrapbook or photo album.

– Make something for yourself. Creativity feeds the soul and focuses the mind. Pick something you’ve always wanted to learn how to make. Soap! Beer! Bread! Jewelry! Leather stamping! Painting! Knitting! Go to your local craft or hardware store, or checkout YouTube and find something you’d like to learn how to do and do it!

– Make something for co-workers. Cut that soap up and wrap the bars individually in something you’ve designed. You can design a label for that microbrew you made and give a bottle to coworkers! Getting something homemade means more to many.

– Host a potluck for co-workers. It’s a wonderful time to reach out to people you’d like to get to know better. You’d be surprised how much fun you’ll have and how many work colleagues you will know better.

– Limit time you spend on social media. Social networks can be great for connecting but they can also sometimes skew how we perceive ourselves and other people. We can be fooled into feeling as if everyone else’s lives are so much better than our own, but they’re not really. Most of us try to show our best selves on social networks and we should. But there are times when it’s better just to turn it off.

– Strengthen at least one Quester trait to add spice to life. Tips for developing Quester skills like confidence, purpose, creativity, and resilience are found in Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life: http://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

Author bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is a registered psychologist, coach, internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, and author of award-winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life. Carole 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. Contact: carole@daretochange.com

In Blog

Cutting Costs During Transitions

June 17, 2019

Are you considering a career transition? Are you unemployed? If so, manage money wisely.

Here are some tips.

– Prepare. Planning and willingness to live on less temporarily will stretch the time you can go without a full-time job. You’ll not only have more time to find that ideal position, you’ll also eliminate a financially controlled deadline.

Before making a career shift, determine how long you can live without an income. How much can you live on and where will you get it? A careful review of expenses and potential income may disclose that you can manage several months without a salary.

– Create a budget. Identify your monthly income. List all current income sources like salary, unemployment benefits or severance pay (if applicable), interest/dividends, savings and partner’s income. Also itemize assets that can be converted into cash including pension funds, insurance policies and stocks. And, identify future income sources such as student loans or assistance from relatives.

Next, identify expenses. Include housing, education, furniture, clothing, dry cleaning, medical and other insurance, entertainment, car, utilities, food and restaurants, taxes, job hunting, and miscellaneous costs. Add 15 percent as a cushion.

Try to lower your standards temporarily. Look for ways to cut. Involve family members in financial discussions. What expenses can they can cut? List a lower number for each expense.

– Conserve your cash. Live frugally. Saving early in the process will enable you to have enough for essentials later. Will your old car do? Do you need to eat out as much? Stay disciplined. Use coupons. Look at your needs, rather than wants. But do treat yourself sometimes.

– Look for additional income sources. Can you get a part-time survival job? Work as a sales clerk, waiter, delivery person? Register with a temp agency? Can a family member help?

Contact your creditors. Work out interest-only or reduced payments early. Most will cooperate.

Reduce credit card purchases. Pay cash to save interest charges and prevent overspending. If you must use credit cards, pay the full balance each month.

Cash in “luxury” assets. Comparison shop for insurance and other expenses. Trade down to a less costly home or share a residence.

– Deduct job hunting expenses from your federal income tax if you’re moving to similar work. These “miscellaneous deductions” require receipts. Allowable expenses include employment or career counseling, resume costs (typing, duplicating and mailing), phone and transportation.

If you’re relocating to another city, you can deduct some moving expenses. Education costs are also deductible if you’re upgrading your skills to maintain or enhance your present job or salary. However, if you’re changing fields, establishing a business, or have been unemployed for more than a year, you can’t deduct these. Contact an accountant or the IRS for more information.

– Review your health coverage under the COBRA Law. Check Department of Labor’s web site to learn ways they may be able to help with your issues:www.dol.gov/dol/pwba. Surf the internet and yellow pages to investigate other health care options. Many local clinics provide services on a sliding scale fee. Better, maintain a healthy lifestyle.

– Borrow. Some debt is okay provided it excludes mortgage payments and doesn’t exceed 10 to 15 percent of your income.

The easiest loan option to negotiate comes from parents. To maintain family harmony, agree on an interest rate and repayment schedule. Consult an accountant to determine if it’s taxable.

Credit unions are often cheaper and easier than banks. If you deal with a bank, shop around. Consider borrowing from your 401k, your company profit sharing plan, your life insurance policy or stock investments. Check the feasibility of a home equity loan or reverse mortgage to tap your home equity.

– Seek financial assistance. Visit Credit.org: https://credit.org/ Credit.org is the country’s leading debt relief and financial education company. They provide financial consulting to ensure clients are on the right path to wise money management.

The National Center for Financial Education: www. ncfe.org, offers money management tools. Quicken Basic 99and Microsoft Money 99 give ability to track various accounts. For debt management, contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling at 800-388-2227 or visit: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/n/national-foundation-for-consumer-credit.asp

Award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, offers additional ways to stretch income. https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963. Carole Kanchier, psychologist, digital/newspaper columnist, coach and author of Questers Dare to Change, shows clients how to clarify and attain desired life career goals. carole@daretochange.com www.questersdaretochange.com

In Blog

Responding to Illegal Job Interview Questions

June 10, 2019

It is important to know your rights as an employee. Unlawful questions are not acceptable on applications, during the interview process, or in the workplace. Although improper questions by employers might be simple mistakes, they could also be intentional cases of discrimination that should be reported.

Legal and illegal interview questions
How you would you respond to each question?
1. How old are you?
2. What’s your native tongue?
3. What language do you use when writing?
4. What’s your marital status?
5. Would you be willing to work overtime as necessary?
6. To what clubs do you belong?
7. How much do you weigh?
8. How’s your family’s health?
9. Have you ever been convicted of a felony?
10. In what branch of the Armed Forces did you serve?
11. Have you had any recent illnesses?
12. Do you have children?

Scoring: Questions 3, 5, 9 and 10 are legal. The others are illegal. Generally, interview questions should focus on your ability to do the job. It’s illegal to base hiring decisions on certain other criteria.

Numerous federal and state laws protect employees form discrimination. These include the Fair Labor Standards Act, the National Labor Relations Act, the Civil Rights Act and the Occupational Safety Act.

For example, Title V11 of the Civil Rights Act, makes discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, or national origin illegal in hiring decisions, and The American with Disabilities Act requires that an employer provide equal opportunities to individuals with disabilities. Check your state and federal acts related fair employment and housing practices.

There are situations where a specific job might require an answer to some questions that might appear to be illegal for other jobs. For example, a firefighter needs to be in good physical condition so health-related questions are acceptable.

Smart interviewers can get the information they want by asking open-ended questions. For example, instead of asking “Are you living with anyone?” interviewers can ask “Do you foresee any situations that would prevent you from relocating?”

Examples of illegal and legal questions

Age
Illegal — When did you graduate? What’s your birth date?
Legal — Are you over 18?

National Origin, Citizenship
Illegal — Are you a US citizen? Where were your parents born?
Legal — Are you authorized to work in the US?

Marital/Family Status
Illegal — With whom do you live? Do you plan to have a family? What are your child-care arrangements?
Legal — Would you be willing to relocate if necessary? Would you be willing to travel as needed for the job?

Affiliations
Illegal — To what social organizations do you belong?
Legal — List any professional, trade or other groups to which you belong that is relevant to performing this job.

Personal
Illegal — How tall are you?
Legal — Questions about height, weight and strength are acceptable if certain minimum standards are essential for safe and efficient job performance.

Disabilities or Limitations
Illegal — Do you have any disabilities? Please complete this medical history. What was the date of your last physical exam? Do you need an accommodation to perform the job?
Legal — Describe how you would carry a 200 pound weight 50 yards with or without accommodation.

Arrest Record
Illegal — Have you ever been arrested?
Legal — Have you ever been convicted of __________? (The crime should be related to the performance of the job in question.)

Military
Illegal — Were you honorably discharged?
Legal — What type of training did you receive?

Gender
Illegal — We haven’t hired a woman before. What makes you think you can do this job?
Legal — Describe the skills you have to do this job.

Drug Use
Illegal — Do you take drugs, smoke or drink?
Legal — Have you ever been disciplined for violating company policies about the use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs?

Pregnancy
Illegal — Are you pregnant?
Legal — Will you be able to work overtime or travel?

Do the forgoing or any other areas of discrimination apply to you? If so, what are these? What can you do to turn around an illegal interview question or situation to protect you from discrimination? What federal or state law or agency could help you resolve a discrimination issue?

Dr. Carole Kanchier, career and personal growth expert, informs and inspires you to realize your potential. A coach and international newspaper/digital columnist, she is author of award-winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

In Blog, Pulse post

Using ‘Force’ Can Give You More Control

June 3, 2019

In the movie, “Star Wars,” Obi Wan-Kenobi gave Luke Skywalker a sword that seemed to have magical powers. The sword was useless to Luke when he lacked confidence in his abilities. But when Luke realized that he had the magical powers within to create his own perception of reality, he wielded the sword with confidence and accuracy.

Do you have control over your life career?
Indicate yes or no:

I didn’t get the position because I didn’t prepare for the interview.
When I trust my judgment I make wrong decisions.
I can solve most of my problems.
I’m often a victim of circumstance.
I can get any job I want if it’s congruent with my personal qualities and I persist in pursuing it.
I’m too old to go back to school.
I can learn new skills if I try.
I try to avoid challenging projects.
If I studied hard at school, I got good grades.
I don’t perform well under stress.

Scoring: One for each yes to odd numbered statements, and each no to even numbered ones. The higher your score the more you believe you have control over your destiny. You assume responsibility for your thoughts and actions.

Take charge of your life career
Pay attention to the words you use to express your thoughts. They influence how you feel about yourself as well as goals and outcomes you attain.

Review the speech patterns below that express independence and self control, or dependence and helplessness. Choose those that demonstrate choice and responsibility.

– Differentiate between knowing and imagining.
You haven’t given your supervisor a report that was due three days ago. You say to yourself, “He stressed how important it was to submit it on time. He’ll be furious.” How does your internal dialogue continue?

a. “I wonder how I can slip it on his desk without seeing him?”
b. “I don’t really know he’ll be furious. … I’m imagining this. What really happens may be different.”
c. “I’ll take my lumps. I’m late.”

If you chose b you distinguished between knowing with imagining. We can make educated guesses about peoples’ future behaviors based on past experience. But we can also scare or anger ourselves by imagining a negative scenario and convincing ourselves it will occur. Don’t live in a world of untested assumptions. Look for and expect positive outcomes.

– Differentiate between can’t (inability) and won’t (emotional choice).
As you’re finishing work, a colleague invites you to discuss a new job opportunity. You say, “I’d like to but I have to participate at the meeting. Thanks anyway.” When he leaves, you talk to yourself.

a. “I don’t have to go to that meeting. I’m choosing to go even though I’d rather find out about that job.”
b. “Rats, another stupid session when there’s no time to get anything accomplished.”
b. “I have so many clerical tasks to complete that I never have time to look after my career growth.”

In selecting a, you’re choosing to affirm that you have a choice, even when you select the same option. We often choose to do things because of the negative consequences of not doing them (getting fired if we don’t choose to work). However, this is a choice.

When you say, “I choose to,” new options may become apparent. For example, instead of staying in a job you dislike, you can choose to look for another job in the same or different organization, return to school or establish your own business.

– Restructure negative beliefs. Write down all negative thoughts you had within the past day. Rephrase these to make them more positive and to illustrate personal control. For example, if you said, “I’ll never find a job because I’m too old.” Restructure this, “I have the experience, skills, maturity, confidence creativity and persistence to find the position I want.”

Don’t be a prisoner of false beliefs. Choose thoughts, words and speech patterns that express images of confidence, independence, responsibility and control. Empower yourself by using words that illustrate personal control.
Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, by Carole Kanchier, gives additional ways to gain more control over your life career: http://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

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. www.questersdaretochange.com

In Blog

Is Temp Work Right For You?

May 13, 2019

Meg hasn’t held a steady job for a year, and she likes it that way. She works as a contract worker, writing and editing technical service manuals for a Silicon Valley firm. She’s happy to be one of the thousands of temporary workers in North America.

Today, people have many employment choices, including temp work. Temporary services are booming. Temp employment can be a source of flexible, fulfilling work that can provide a bridge to full-time employment. According to research, one-third of temp employees prefer this arrangement over traditional employment options.

Are you suited to temporary employment?
Answer “yes” or “no.” I like . . .

Trying different kinds of work.
Working where and when I choose.
Earning good or extra money.
Investigating a company before making a long-term commitment.
Developing new skills.
Meeting new people.
Adapting to new situations and surroundings.

Five or more yes responses suggest you may enjoy temp work. Temporary employment can benefit both workers and client companies.

Because companies must constantly shift gears to meet the changing demands of the global marketplace, they need to have 10 to 20 percent of their work force as temporary. The Conference Board (a business intelligence organization that distributes information about management and the marketplace) found that about 90 percent of U.S. businesses use temp workers to meet demand periods, cover employee absences, and work on special projects. Companies also like to observe temps during a trial period to determine their suitability for permanent positions.

More than three million temporary and contract employees work for America’s staffing companies during an average week. During the course of a year, North America’s staffing companies hire nearly 17 million temporary and contract employees.
Companies find that effective use of temporary staffing can increase productivity and profit levels. Many organizations prefer using staffing firms to find suitable employees over posting job wanted ads. Employers tend to hold temp workers to as high a standard as they do full-time employees.

Many staffing firms offer competitive benefit packages which include medical insurance and bonus pay. Cash awards, gift certificates and free lunches for top employees are other perks. Opportunities to acquire computer or other skills are added benefits.

Varied types of workers seek the assistance of the 19,000 staffing offices nation wide. These include burned-out professionals who want to try something else, homemakers re-entering the work force, and people who need second jobs to meet expenses. Opportunities abound for engineers, financial analysts, word processors, human resources personnel, and varied managerial levels and health professionals.

Temp jobs can last from a day to several months. The average tenure is 10 weeks. Many temp or contract workers stay much longer. A number get hired permanently.

People select temporary employment for many reasons. It can be a bridge to a full-time job and relieves some of the financial and emotional stress during job search or college/university attendance. It also provides flexible hours, days and assignments. Gaining new skills while making valuable business contacts is another benefit. Employees who want medical, pension or other benefits can also find these perks with some staffing firms.

You have the option of being a full-time temp or combining temp work with traditional employment and/or self employment. If your goal is to work as a permanent, full-time employee, but are having difficulty finding the right job or company, temp work can help pay the bills. If you’re looking for new ways to work, want to learn varied skills, investigate a different industry, have more flexibility or control over your career or work schedule, temp work is an option.

To get the most out of temp assignments, get to know temp agencies in your area. Many temp agencies focus on specific industries including account staffing, technology staffing, legal staffing, finance staffing and other. Maintain regular contact with them. Inquire about the benefits they offer, and get information about their clients (employers). Find out what kinds of jobs are available, their respective salaries and locations of employers. Let them know that you’re eager to learn new skills and gain experience in a certain field. If your goal is full-time, permanent employment, advise them of this.

Don’t pass up opportunities to learn. Don’t expect each temp job to be perfect, but see each as a valuable experience that can help you achieve your career goal.

For more information about staffing firms in your area, check the local phone directory. Also check the internet for local firms as well as the American Staffing Association’s website: www.staffingtoday.net.

Award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, by Carole Kanchier, discusses numerous other ways to access temp agencies and find jobs: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

Carole Kanchier, coach and author of Questers Dare to Change, shows clients how to determine job suitability and attain desired career goals. carole@daretochange.com www.questersdaretochange.com

In Blog