With so many workplace (and other) shootings lately, I thought it would be helpful to revisit a survey I conducted about 10 years ago, "The Top Ten Things that Drive Co-Workers Crazy." The survey was a hoot to do, and I even did several call-in radio shows where people driving to work in the morning were talking on their cell phones in morning traffic while on the radio, for God's sake, instead of watching where they were going. It was hilarious the stuff they came up with. Things like farting in the office, eating other people's food out of the refrigerator, sleeping through meetings while appearing to be awake. One guy was so sick of people stealing his favorite pens that he would take them apart and write the word "Gotcha" on a little slip of paper, roll it up and stick it back in the barrel of the pen and put it back together. Then, when he found someone with one of his pens, he would confront them. They of course, denied any such thing as stealing a pen, whereby he ceremoniously unscrewed the barrel, and with great flourish, pulled out the piece of paper, and yelled, "Gotcha." Ten years ago, the #1 offender was not returning phone calls and emails on time or at all. Other transgressions included taking the last cup of coffee and not making more, resetting the copy machine for 20% and 1,000 copies and not setting it back to normal, and exploding their lunch in the break room microwave and not cleaning it up.
Now these may not seem like much, but string them together on a bad day and you have Bob from Accounting going out to his truck at lunch to get his shotgun (legal in the State of Georgia) and delivering his own sort of disciplinary action. The survey results will be interesting at least, and may help save some lives by serving as a warning to all the jerks in the office to clean up their act before Harriet, who needs at least 14 cups of coffee in the morning to even come near civility, finds out that the pot is dry. Sounds like there could be a public service award for this thing, and I might even end up on Oprah.
There is only one question....and you can complete the survey on Survey Monkey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CFKX7DB. I will share the results of the survey in a future blog, after I get back from the Coast when they turn this survey into a movie with Cameron Diaz and Bruce Willis.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
So You Want to Be In Pictures?
I saw an article this morning advising job seekers to jump on the latest trend and send a video resume. This was a video of you basically talking about your work history, experience while displaying your personality, communication skills and energy. Sounds like an interesting idea, but there are some things to consider before you call for, “…lights, camera, action.”
1. Putting down your attributes on paper in a professional but still personally anonymous way has its advantages. Your ability to do the job is what getting the interview is all about. Recruiters and hiring managers are comfortable with the written resume and may not be with a video.
2. Even the greatest actors don’t watch their own films. Why? They don’t like what they see. You can be the most talented actor, but the greatness is mainly in the viewer. What you think is a great delivery may leave someone cold. You are looking for a job, not a Golden Globe. And in this job market, the competition is much more intense.
3. A video will reveal things that employers can’t ask in an interview – age, race, color, sex, and other personal characteristics that can be discriminatory. In my years as a Human Resources Director, I occasionally received a resume that included a picture. Before forwarding it to a hiring manager, I always made a copy of the original and covered over the picture. This then became the official resume that was circulated. You may find that after all your efforts your video is never seen for fear of a future claim of discrimination.
4. Some positions require a video. When I was seeking a position as a contract trainer for an international training company, I had to send a video of myself conducting a class. Since I would be representing the company to clients all over the country, they needed to see my presentation style. On the other hand, sending a video for an administrative position may seem a little excessive and brand you as a Diva instead of a viable candidate.
5. YouTube won’t do for an interview. If you are going to send a video, or if one is requested, hire a professional to script, shoot and edit the film. A professional videographer can suggest the proper clothing, hair style, mannerisms and an appropriate setting for the position. Consider getting some advice from a professional career coach as well to review the video from an employer’s point of view.
6. Your job search may take awhile, so if you change your hair color or style, put on (or take off) a few pounds you need to update the video. Resumes customized for the position are more effective, so if you are targeting different industries or positions, you may need several versions of your video. This drives up the cost and time investment to keep things current.
7. Voice tone, body language, communication skills, speaking ability—you need to be at the top of your game for the video. If you are uncomfortable speaking in public, it will come across in the video and can work against you.
There is no substitute for a solid, well-written resume that showcases your individuality and accomplishments. Adding a video to your application can be risky but will offer a closer look that could work for you.
As posted on February 3,2011, BusinessWorkForceBlog.com.
Mary Nestor-Harper, SPHR, is a workplace consultant, blogger, motivational speaker and freelance writer for BusinessWorkForce.com. Based in Savannah, GA, her work has appeared in Training magazine, Training & Development magazine, Supervision, BiS Magazine and The Savannah Morning News. When she’s not writing, she enjoys singing Alto II with the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus and creating original gift items available on http://www.etsy.spoolhardy.com/. You can read more of her blogs at businessworkforceblog.com and view additional job postings on Beyond.com.
1. Putting down your attributes on paper in a professional but still personally anonymous way has its advantages. Your ability to do the job is what getting the interview is all about. Recruiters and hiring managers are comfortable with the written resume and may not be with a video.
2. Even the greatest actors don’t watch their own films. Why? They don’t like what they see. You can be the most talented actor, but the greatness is mainly in the viewer. What you think is a great delivery may leave someone cold. You are looking for a job, not a Golden Globe. And in this job market, the competition is much more intense.
3. A video will reveal things that employers can’t ask in an interview – age, race, color, sex, and other personal characteristics that can be discriminatory. In my years as a Human Resources Director, I occasionally received a resume that included a picture. Before forwarding it to a hiring manager, I always made a copy of the original and covered over the picture. This then became the official resume that was circulated. You may find that after all your efforts your video is never seen for fear of a future claim of discrimination.
4. Some positions require a video. When I was seeking a position as a contract trainer for an international training company, I had to send a video of myself conducting a class. Since I would be representing the company to clients all over the country, they needed to see my presentation style. On the other hand, sending a video for an administrative position may seem a little excessive and brand you as a Diva instead of a viable candidate.
5. YouTube won’t do for an interview. If you are going to send a video, or if one is requested, hire a professional to script, shoot and edit the film. A professional videographer can suggest the proper clothing, hair style, mannerisms and an appropriate setting for the position. Consider getting some advice from a professional career coach as well to review the video from an employer’s point of view.
6. Your job search may take awhile, so if you change your hair color or style, put on (or take off) a few pounds you need to update the video. Resumes customized for the position are more effective, so if you are targeting different industries or positions, you may need several versions of your video. This drives up the cost and time investment to keep things current.
7. Voice tone, body language, communication skills, speaking ability—you need to be at the top of your game for the video. If you are uncomfortable speaking in public, it will come across in the video and can work against you.
There is no substitute for a solid, well-written resume that showcases your individuality and accomplishments. Adding a video to your application can be risky but will offer a closer look that could work for you.
As posted on February 3,2011, BusinessWorkForceBlog.com.
Mary Nestor-Harper, SPHR, is a workplace consultant, blogger, motivational speaker and freelance writer for BusinessWorkForce.com. Based in Savannah, GA, her work has appeared in Training magazine, Training & Development magazine, Supervision, BiS Magazine and The Savannah Morning News. When she’s not writing, she enjoys singing Alto II with the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus and creating original gift items available on http://www.etsy.spoolhardy.com/. You can read more of her blogs at businessworkforceblog.com and view additional job postings on Beyond.com.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
I'll Have a Cup of Coffee With a Side of Hospitality, Please
Last week, in an effort to stimulate my creative brain cells, I decided to take my laptop to a local coffee shop across from Forsyth Park. The Sentient Bean is a comfortable, worn-around-the-edges coffee shop with several seating areas. You can settle down at one of the many tables with wooden chairs or opt for one of the comfortable overstuffed couches scattered around the two rooms. Coffee is $1.25, with refills at $0.50 each. You get a real cup if you are “sipping in” with variety of coffees and teas to choose from. Quiet conversations between patrons can be heard above the key tapping on laptop computers, gently adding their own light to the sunlight from the large windows, filtered today by a sky wrapped in blanket of gray and white tweed clouds.
Hotels have always welcomed their guests to sit and lounge in their lobbies or lounges. Comfortable chairs, sofas, tables and chairs made it possible for a guest to escape the confines of their guest rooms, meet with clients or friends, or just have a quiet conversation with someone sitting next to them at the bar. Restaurants and coffee shops are now following suit, realizing that while customers still want the privacy and option of solitude, they like to be in the company of others, feel the energy and break the isolation that so many experience-- Entrepreneurs who are struggling to get their businesses going or need a place to meet prospective clients, home-based business owners who need to escape the proximity and distraction of dirty laundry or dishes piled in the sink. Students looking for a place to have a coffee and a sandwich, meet their friends, do some studying. Desperate housewives dishing the latest with their friends. These are customers in need of services with a side of hospitality.
Sitting here, I am struck by the fact that there are no intrusive wait staff checking back with me every few minutes. Now, in a conventional restaurant, that kind of attention may be welcome, but it can also give the impression that they are rushing you out the door. No one has come to my table to see if I am having more coffee or when I am going to free up this table. I am free to go or stay, and welcome to get some more coffee, have a muffin or sandwich. The atmosphere is more like being in a comfortable home with food available if you want it and no one waiting for you to get up and go. It is home without the solitude and the opportunity for social interaction on my terms.
Social networking is built on the premise that people like to choose who they interact with and share as much or as little as they like on their terms. Judging from the fact that all the tables and couches are filled, the hospitality at the Sentient Bean is just as popular as the coffee and muffins.
Originally seen on hospitalityjobsiteblog.com
Mary Nestor-Harper, SPHR, is a workplace consultant, blogger, motivational speaker and freelance writer for Hospitalityjobsite.com. Based in Savannah, GA, her work has appeared in Training magazine, Training & Development magazine, Supervision, BiS Magazine and The Savannah Morning News. When she’s not writing, she enjoys singing Alto II with the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus and creating original gift items available on http://www.etsy.spoolhardy.com/. You can read more of her blogs at hospitalityjobsiteblog.com and view additional job postings on Beyond.com.
Hotels have always welcomed their guests to sit and lounge in their lobbies or lounges. Comfortable chairs, sofas, tables and chairs made it possible for a guest to escape the confines of their guest rooms, meet with clients or friends, or just have a quiet conversation with someone sitting next to them at the bar. Restaurants and coffee shops are now following suit, realizing that while customers still want the privacy and option of solitude, they like to be in the company of others, feel the energy and break the isolation that so many experience-- Entrepreneurs who are struggling to get their businesses going or need a place to meet prospective clients, home-based business owners who need to escape the proximity and distraction of dirty laundry or dishes piled in the sink. Students looking for a place to have a coffee and a sandwich, meet their friends, do some studying. Desperate housewives dishing the latest with their friends. These are customers in need of services with a side of hospitality.
Sitting here, I am struck by the fact that there are no intrusive wait staff checking back with me every few minutes. Now, in a conventional restaurant, that kind of attention may be welcome, but it can also give the impression that they are rushing you out the door. No one has come to my table to see if I am having more coffee or when I am going to free up this table. I am free to go or stay, and welcome to get some more coffee, have a muffin or sandwich. The atmosphere is more like being in a comfortable home with food available if you want it and no one waiting for you to get up and go. It is home without the solitude and the opportunity for social interaction on my terms.
Social networking is built on the premise that people like to choose who they interact with and share as much or as little as they like on their terms. Judging from the fact that all the tables and couches are filled, the hospitality at the Sentient Bean is just as popular as the coffee and muffins.
Originally seen on hospitalityjobsiteblog.com
Mary Nestor-Harper, SPHR, is a workplace consultant, blogger, motivational speaker and freelance writer for Hospitalityjobsite.com. Based in Savannah, GA, her work has appeared in Training magazine, Training & Development magazine, Supervision, BiS Magazine and The Savannah Morning News. When she’s not writing, she enjoys singing Alto II with the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus and creating original gift items available on http://www.etsy.spoolhardy.com/. You can read more of her blogs at hospitalityjobsiteblog.com and view additional job postings on Beyond.com.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
The First Seven Days
It's been a week since the big day---New Years Day--the day to make all those resolutions that you are likely to break. Well, my only resolution this year was to clear a path through the past and break into the future. No definition or criteria for the goal, just try to shake off the old habits and re-energize with possiblities for the future.
I have to say that in the last seven days I've been amazed at how making little changes can have a big impact. One is merely changing locations. I used to have a habit of planting myself in the living room with my morning coffee and laptop and staying there through the morning news, the Early Show and even (sometimes) the local talk show at 10:30 a.m. There I was, still in my bathrobe with half the morning gone. I still enjoy a cup of coffee while going through emails and texting my daughter at the start of our days, but I now get dressed, and move my work area to the kitchen table. Instead of the TV, I've found several music stations on cable that I enjoy, and without the distraction of the TV, I find the music frees both my focus and creativity. It's also amazing to find that just those few extra hours in the morning has done wonders for my productivity. This may not sound like a revelation to those of you who have it all together, but to my sisters-in-bathrobes, it is monumental.
Another thing I decided to do was to go back to Weight Watchers. You can always count on WW to have a new plan each year, and being a Lifer, I can get the books for the price of $13 and a hop on the scale. I stayed for the meeting, bought their digital scale and the points calculator. I find that if I make an investment, I am more likely to follow through for a longer period of time. Well, that scale is the greatest thing to hit the kitchen and my sense of reality. I have used scales before, but the manual kind that I could play with. Not so when the numbers are staring you in the face. What I learned was part of the reason I haven't been able to lose weight is that I have been eating twice the amount of food than I thought I was! I can't believe that the little blot of ice cream in the pyrex cup was a half cup! I have been eating at least three times that much for a serving. Let's not even talk about potato chips! The great thing about WW is that no food is verboten; you just have to watch portion sizes. Well, this past week has been an education in reality--and so far I have lost three pounds, still eating potato chips and ice cream (now in the proper proportions) every day.
The other thing I did was to buy a simple planner. I went to Staples and passed up the fancy Day Runner with all its pockets and extra sections, leather covers, etc. I found a monthly/weekly planner with a black cover for about $13.00 and spent a few hours putting my life in order. All my appointments, notes, phone numbers, etc., are in there. No searching around in my Blackberry and emails (two accounts) to find that message that has the date for that board meeting next week. I love the physical act of writing things down and then crossing them off after they are completed. Retro chic that works
.
Now none of the things that I did last week were earth shaking or revolutionary, but they have made an impact on my last seven days. Today and tomorrow I am taking a class at SCAD on how to set up a crafts business, another foot forward into the future. I am reviving my crafts acumen from the past and melding it with my daughter's creativity and fashion design talents to launch a children's fashion/accessory business online.
What a difference a week can make.
I have to say that in the last seven days I've been amazed at how making little changes can have a big impact. One is merely changing locations. I used to have a habit of planting myself in the living room with my morning coffee and laptop and staying there through the morning news, the Early Show and even (sometimes) the local talk show at 10:30 a.m. There I was, still in my bathrobe with half the morning gone. I still enjoy a cup of coffee while going through emails and texting my daughter at the start of our days, but I now get dressed, and move my work area to the kitchen table. Instead of the TV, I've found several music stations on cable that I enjoy, and without the distraction of the TV, I find the music frees both my focus and creativity. It's also amazing to find that just those few extra hours in the morning has done wonders for my productivity. This may not sound like a revelation to those of you who have it all together, but to my sisters-in-bathrobes, it is monumental.
Another thing I decided to do was to go back to Weight Watchers. You can always count on WW to have a new plan each year, and being a Lifer, I can get the books for the price of $13 and a hop on the scale. I stayed for the meeting, bought their digital scale and the points calculator. I find that if I make an investment, I am more likely to follow through for a longer period of time. Well, that scale is the greatest thing to hit the kitchen and my sense of reality. I have used scales before, but the manual kind that I could play with. Not so when the numbers are staring you in the face. What I learned was part of the reason I haven't been able to lose weight is that I have been eating twice the amount of food than I thought I was! I can't believe that the little blot of ice cream in the pyrex cup was a half cup! I have been eating at least three times that much for a serving. Let's not even talk about potato chips! The great thing about WW is that no food is verboten; you just have to watch portion sizes. Well, this past week has been an education in reality--and so far I have lost three pounds, still eating potato chips and ice cream (now in the proper proportions) every day.
The other thing I did was to buy a simple planner. I went to Staples and passed up the fancy Day Runner with all its pockets and extra sections, leather covers, etc. I found a monthly/weekly planner with a black cover for about $13.00 and spent a few hours putting my life in order. All my appointments, notes, phone numbers, etc., are in there. No searching around in my Blackberry and emails (two accounts) to find that message that has the date for that board meeting next week. I love the physical act of writing things down and then crossing them off after they are completed. Retro chic that works
.
Now none of the things that I did last week were earth shaking or revolutionary, but they have made an impact on my last seven days. Today and tomorrow I am taking a class at SCAD on how to set up a crafts business, another foot forward into the future. I am reviving my crafts acumen from the past and melding it with my daughter's creativity and fashion design talents to launch a children's fashion/accessory business online.
What a difference a week can make.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
New Year, New Me?
Here it is, New Years Day, and many people are in a depressive funk thinking about all the things they didn't accomplish in 2010 and making a long list of things that they resolve to do (and know they probably won't) in 2011. I just went over the Georgia Speaker's Association website, and just reading the success stories of those who did actually join and participate over the past year made me feel like a slacker.
I used to belong to GSA, and I could have written one of the success sidebars about 10 years ago. What happened? Why did I stop participating? How did I get distracted? I am still a professional member of the National Speakers Association, but havent' attended any of the conventions or other workshops they offer.
A couple of life choices at the height of my career success changed the course of my professional career, as did the effects of the stock market crash in '99, and further broken by the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and the chaos that followed. The weekend after the towers fell, I was on a plane to a training week for a client, and was struck by the empty airports and vacant faces I encountered on planes, hotels and in my sessions. Was that an omen of things to come? Divorced and in a faltering relationship, I felt a slow panic of instability as a sole proprietor watching my training schedule thin and the projects downsized or cancelled. A job offer in an area I knew little about but with a paycheck and benefits was the lifeline I grabbed, leaving the work I loved behind. Allowing an unknown fear take over, I traded my passion for creativity and motivation for the Corporate life. I learned a lot, made a lot of mistakes, and made my new profession work for the next seven years, but always regretted the road that I had taken and the knowledge that the I didn't believe in myself enough to tough it out.
Now, here it is a new year, and I am again reminded of the Marlon Brando's line from the movie On The Waterfront--"I could have been somebody...I could have been a contender." Looking back, I have no one to be disappointed in but myself--for not believing strongly enough in myself and taking the easy, sure way out. Holding on to what is safe and secure can keep us from falling, but it will never get us to the other side of what life has waiting for us.
I said I wouldn't make any New Years Resolutions this year, but I have changed my mind. This year, I am going to let go of the handlebars--the monkey bars--the safe path. One of my favorite consultant/writers is Alan Weiss. In his book, Thrive, he said we aren't put here to tread water...we are supposed to make waves. Instead of trying to go back to the person I once was, I am determined to walk forward to discover the person I have always been destined to be NOW! All paths have led up to this moment. Rediscover my passion. A lot have changed in the last 10 years, myself included. The world of work has changed dramatically. The drawers full of old speeches and training programs may not fit the new economy and they certainly don't fit me. Ten more years of life experiences have taught me a lot.
Security is fine, but it is limiting. If you spend all your time trying to maintain--your possessions, your home, your bank account, your present standard of living--that's all you will have. Letting go of the past and walking into the future with no requirements or predetermined expectations can be scary, but liberating. Being open to opportunities and paying attention to what life is offering is much more creative and inspiring than a bunch of resolutions that are supposed to guide me to success by the end of the year.
Letting go of your past, who you were, what you accomplished--especially if you have lost a job, failed at a business, saw a marriage or relationship end--is difficult, but staying there emotionally is a real killer. Letting go changes direction and focus. GSA, you are getting a new member this year who is ready to learn, grow, experience and enjoy every moment, whatever it brings.
I used to belong to GSA, and I could have written one of the success sidebars about 10 years ago. What happened? Why did I stop participating? How did I get distracted? I am still a professional member of the National Speakers Association, but havent' attended any of the conventions or other workshops they offer.
A couple of life choices at the height of my career success changed the course of my professional career, as did the effects of the stock market crash in '99, and further broken by the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and the chaos that followed. The weekend after the towers fell, I was on a plane to a training week for a client, and was struck by the empty airports and vacant faces I encountered on planes, hotels and in my sessions. Was that an omen of things to come? Divorced and in a faltering relationship, I felt a slow panic of instability as a sole proprietor watching my training schedule thin and the projects downsized or cancelled. A job offer in an area I knew little about but with a paycheck and benefits was the lifeline I grabbed, leaving the work I loved behind. Allowing an unknown fear take over, I traded my passion for creativity and motivation for the Corporate life. I learned a lot, made a lot of mistakes, and made my new profession work for the next seven years, but always regretted the road that I had taken and the knowledge that the I didn't believe in myself enough to tough it out.
Now, here it is a new year, and I am again reminded of the Marlon Brando's line from the movie On The Waterfront--"I could have been somebody...I could have been a contender." Looking back, I have no one to be disappointed in but myself--for not believing strongly enough in myself and taking the easy, sure way out. Holding on to what is safe and secure can keep us from falling, but it will never get us to the other side of what life has waiting for us.
I said I wouldn't make any New Years Resolutions this year, but I have changed my mind. This year, I am going to let go of the handlebars--the monkey bars--the safe path. One of my favorite consultant/writers is Alan Weiss. In his book, Thrive, he said we aren't put here to tread water...we are supposed to make waves. Instead of trying to go back to the person I once was, I am determined to walk forward to discover the person I have always been destined to be NOW! All paths have led up to this moment. Rediscover my passion. A lot have changed in the last 10 years, myself included. The world of work has changed dramatically. The drawers full of old speeches and training programs may not fit the new economy and they certainly don't fit me. Ten more years of life experiences have taught me a lot.
Security is fine, but it is limiting. If you spend all your time trying to maintain--your possessions, your home, your bank account, your present standard of living--that's all you will have. Letting go of the past and walking into the future with no requirements or predetermined expectations can be scary, but liberating. Being open to opportunities and paying attention to what life is offering is much more creative and inspiring than a bunch of resolutions that are supposed to guide me to success by the end of the year.
Letting go of your past, who you were, what you accomplished--especially if you have lost a job, failed at a business, saw a marriage or relationship end--is difficult, but staying there emotionally is a real killer. Letting go changes direction and focus. GSA, you are getting a new member this year who is ready to learn, grow, experience and enjoy every moment, whatever it brings.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Working Even Smarter!
It has been awhile since I posted on this blog, and I have been busy with a lot of things. First of all, I am now blogging on several different websites -- www.beyond.com, www.ehow.com, www.blissique.com, and www.skirt.com. Also, I've been busy reinventing myself and my business. I have found that in order to succeed in today's fast changing business environment, you need to be able to morph quickly to keep up with your clients and one step ahead of your competition.
However, working smart doesn't just apply to the business world. You need to be smart about everything...your finances, family, home, relationships, how you spend your time and how you care for yourself. You need to be able to wade through the deluge of information that is available...some good and some not so good...in order to find the best for yourself. Then, you have to be able to filter it through the lens of your own life and needs to see what is best for you.
What I propose to offer in "WorkingSmartWorks!" is an place where you can find good advice, tips, suggestions--whatever you want to call them--on how to live your life to the fullest, save money, be successful, and find out what's best for you. No cookie cutters. No menu plans that must be followed to the letter. No hard and fast rules. A lot of information and suggestions that you can take or leave, but will give you food for thought and real help for living life to the fullest. I'll be drawing from my own experiences, those close to me, and things that I have found to be beneficial in my own life. My mistakes are great teachers, and I've made quite a few. You may be able to apply those lessons to your own, or just read, chuckle and move on.
The topics will vary widely--business, the workplace, food, children, relationships, travel--whatever seems to be on my mind and what I think can be of benefit. You can also give some suggestions on topics you'd like to hear about. Send me an email at maryhn@mjnhconsulting.com and let me know what is on your mind, or what you'd like to hear about.
There is always a faster, smarter, better way to do things. Saving money in this economy is always a hot topic, and I learned a lot of things from my mother growing up on how to have a lot with practically nothing. WorkingSmart is working--not getting someone to feel sorry for you and pay your way. No, WorkingSmart is how to accomplish something in life so that you enjoy life and have confidence, self-esteem and are able to share your abundance with others.
If this interests you, check in from time to time to see what the current topic is. WorkingSmartWorks!
However, working smart doesn't just apply to the business world. You need to be smart about everything...your finances, family, home, relationships, how you spend your time and how you care for yourself. You need to be able to wade through the deluge of information that is available...some good and some not so good...in order to find the best for yourself. Then, you have to be able to filter it through the lens of your own life and needs to see what is best for you.
What I propose to offer in "WorkingSmartWorks!" is an place where you can find good advice, tips, suggestions--whatever you want to call them--on how to live your life to the fullest, save money, be successful, and find out what's best for you. No cookie cutters. No menu plans that must be followed to the letter. No hard and fast rules. A lot of information and suggestions that you can take or leave, but will give you food for thought and real help for living life to the fullest. I'll be drawing from my own experiences, those close to me, and things that I have found to be beneficial in my own life. My mistakes are great teachers, and I've made quite a few. You may be able to apply those lessons to your own, or just read, chuckle and move on.
The topics will vary widely--business, the workplace, food, children, relationships, travel--whatever seems to be on my mind and what I think can be of benefit. You can also give some suggestions on topics you'd like to hear about. Send me an email at maryhn@mjnhconsulting.com and let me know what is on your mind, or what you'd like to hear about.
There is always a faster, smarter, better way to do things. Saving money in this economy is always a hot topic, and I learned a lot of things from my mother growing up on how to have a lot with practically nothing. WorkingSmart is working--not getting someone to feel sorry for you and pay your way. No, WorkingSmart is how to accomplish something in life so that you enjoy life and have confidence, self-esteem and are able to share your abundance with others.
If this interests you, check in from time to time to see what the current topic is. WorkingSmartWorks!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Make Your Resume Stand Out!
Even though the economic and job reports still seem dismal, there is evidence that things are getting better and companies are beginning to post jobs again. If you are one of the hundreds of thousands of unemployed that want to compete for those new jobs, you are going to need all the help you can get. I recently worked with a young man in the hospitality industry that wasn't getting any interviews, and needed some help. Through the discovery and coaching process, I was able to extract from his past experience a solid, dynamic resume that got him at least six interviews, resulting in a new position with a five-star hotel. The market may be tough, but there are jobs out there for the taking, only if you have the right tools and strategy.
Great education, work experience and cutting-edge skills won't get you anywhere unless you can communicate effectively to a prospective employer why YOU are the one that they can't live without. As an HR Director for over seven years, I reviewed thousands of resumes. The first thing that I would look for was a summary statement -- the prospective candidate would have 30 seconds or so of my time to impress me and make me want to read further. Sadly, not many made the cut. Now, more than ever, your resume has to be able to be clear, concise, and effectively market you in 30 seconds or less. Otherwise, it's on to the next one.
A resume won't get you the job...its purpose is to get you an interview. It has to prompt someone to make a phone call to get more information. If your phone hasn't been ringing despite sending out all those resumes, these tips may help:
1. When you email your resume, put your name and the position you are applying for in the subject line. Companies post a lot of jobs at one time, and this helps Human Resources (HR) identify you with a particular job right away.
2. Always, ALWAYS, send a hard copy of your resume after you apply online. You can usually find the address of the company online, and address it to the contact identified in the job post, or if no one is specified, to Human Resources. Use the person's name if you can locate it. The hard copy reinforces the email, and if HR didn't see your email, it may make them go back and look for it.
3. Put the date that you emailed your resume in your cover letter. It makes it easier for HR to locate the email version. Your name in the subject line will make you stand out.
4. Start out with a dynamite summary statement. No canned phrases cut and pasted from some Internet site. After looking at hundreds of resumes, HR professionals can spot boilerplate resume content immediately. Take some time and write your own. Three sentences is all you need. The first gives an overall statement of your experience. The second drills down to your particular areas of expertise. The third is all about you as a person -- traits and values that make you the right person for the company and its culture.
There is much more to a dynamic resume that gets results, and I'll continue in future posts. If you are not a writer, or have been unsuccessful in your search, stack the deck in your favor and get a professional to work with you on your resume. The investment will deliver results and cut down on the time it takes to get that first paycheck. A great resume is an investment from which you can expect a great return.
Great education, work experience and cutting-edge skills won't get you anywhere unless you can communicate effectively to a prospective employer why YOU are the one that they can't live without. As an HR Director for over seven years, I reviewed thousands of resumes. The first thing that I would look for was a summary statement -- the prospective candidate would have 30 seconds or so of my time to impress me and make me want to read further. Sadly, not many made the cut. Now, more than ever, your resume has to be able to be clear, concise, and effectively market you in 30 seconds or less. Otherwise, it's on to the next one.
A resume won't get you the job...its purpose is to get you an interview. It has to prompt someone to make a phone call to get more information. If your phone hasn't been ringing despite sending out all those resumes, these tips may help:
1. When you email your resume, put your name and the position you are applying for in the subject line. Companies post a lot of jobs at one time, and this helps Human Resources (HR) identify you with a particular job right away.
2. Always, ALWAYS, send a hard copy of your resume after you apply online. You can usually find the address of the company online, and address it to the contact identified in the job post, or if no one is specified, to Human Resources. Use the person's name if you can locate it. The hard copy reinforces the email, and if HR didn't see your email, it may make them go back and look for it.
3. Put the date that you emailed your resume in your cover letter. It makes it easier for HR to locate the email version. Your name in the subject line will make you stand out.
4. Start out with a dynamite summary statement. No canned phrases cut and pasted from some Internet site. After looking at hundreds of resumes, HR professionals can spot boilerplate resume content immediately. Take some time and write your own. Three sentences is all you need. The first gives an overall statement of your experience. The second drills down to your particular areas of expertise. The third is all about you as a person -- traits and values that make you the right person for the company and its culture.
There is much more to a dynamic resume that gets results, and I'll continue in future posts. If you are not a writer, or have been unsuccessful in your search, stack the deck in your favor and get a professional to work with you on your resume. The investment will deliver results and cut down on the time it takes to get that first paycheck. A great resume is an investment from which you can expect a great return.
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