ARE YOU "GETTING IT"?

Are YOU GETTING “IT”?
THE PACKAGE YOU DESERVE?
Yesterday, a client came to see me for employment coaching after a position she really wanted went to a different candidate. “Abby” thought she might have knocked herself out of the running- in fact, at the starting gate, by submitting her salary requirements along with her resume. I believe she committed a cardinal sin. In the bible according to Deborah Weiner and lots of other folks, “He/She who mentions salary first”….. LOSES.

Below are a few steps Abby could have taken to increase her own worth.

1. Empower Yourself
Gather outside information on the market value of your position using tools such as Salary.com. Now look at other compensation factors; Health insurance, bonus, stock options etc… What are these perks worth? Understand and monetize your total package.
2. Give to Get
Use your well-rehearsed story telling ability to cite specific examples of how your accomplishments added to the bottom line or generated new sales or growth to the firm. This will stick in your interviewers mind, helping you to stand out when they are remembering which candidate to invite back in for another round.
3. Postpone the 6 letter word discussion
Avoid a direct response to “what is your salary?” Instead, sidestep the question and ask to learn more about the position and company expectations before you get into detailed salary discussions. Or try a shifter or diverter such as: “The actual salary is secondary on my list, as I am sure we will come to mutually agreeable terms. My main priority is to (fill in the blank).
Additionally, NEVER fill in salary requests on employment applications. Because
without knowing about the benefits and potential bonuses for the position, the amount is meaningless.
4. Be Fair and Honest
The focus should be on achieving your desired outcome, not winning. Most firms have salary bands or benefit caps and may not be able to give you exactly what you want. Be flexible and trust your gut to let you know when it is time to thank the manager and accept the offer. Most companies want to make a good deal and will negotiate in good faith. Bear in mind, when the negotiations are over, you will have to work with your former adversary. So be kind and non-aggressive in your dealings.
5. Silence is potentially golden
The employer extends an offer of “X dollars” per year. Repeat the offer in a puzzled tone and then do not speak. This could make them uncomfortable enough to change the offer without your responding to the first offer.

I suggested this to a friend (who thought I was crazy-which I am anyway), but tried it on her next interview. The silence was killing her, but she held her tongue. I understand the hiring manager picked up his pen, scribbled some notes, and upped her offer by $2,500.00.

She owes me lunch.

REBIRTH

2009 began the downward spiral; the spinning vortex of what was once my successful 30-year temporary and full-time employment service and my raison d’être career.

Seemingly overnight, my freelancers were laid off and my clients were emailing me their own resumes with the expectation that they would be next. The unemployed reached record numbers and all my client customers were downsizing. Soon the fertile ground of incoming job positions went completely dry. The money slowed and then stopped. Forcing me to change my spending habits, altering my lifestyle.


For months I was scared and stressed, worried about my lack of income. Cannibalizing my fears and sending out bad energy vibrations to all that crossed my path. All I could focus on was money. The thought became all consuming, like a sickness that held me in its grip. I was an outsider scratching for admittance on the windows and doors of the stores where I once shopped. I became an active card carrying member of the Pity Party and a soap box preacher. Repeating and reinforcing my mantras of how terrible my business and the economy were. Finding myself drawn to like minded people with the same negative thought process. See? It is not my fault, as if commiserating with others would offer a safety net.

We never think we know where the bottom lies, but we do know when we get there. Intuitively I understood that I was at the cross- roads and juncture of choice. The need to decide my future was now. Was I ready to let go of my hurt? Was it time to release my suffering and allow Humpty Dumpty to mend? Or was wallowing becoming as comfortable as an old shoe?

With clarity, I realized I no longer had the fear of watching my business nose-dive or my fear of losing money, for I had already done so and survived. It was time to confront and release the magnetic pull of that which I craved. I made the conscious thought to MOVE BEYOND THE FEAR. To recognize that our lives are about the choices we make. We all hold our own power to change our ideas and thought processes, and therefore hold the potential to change our life. What I thought of as deprivation and loss, I choose to believe, was actually a slow turning and changing of my own mind-set. Perhaps the universe’s way of readying me for my next steps. Showing me what is really important. It is said, that when the student is ready, the teacher appears.

Once you clear the mental clutter, the AHA moment arrives electrically, like a lightening rod of shivers migrating inwardly down your back. With an awareness that quiets the ego and presents the soul its voice to ask; what has changed for you? How do you want to grow? Are you listening? Reminding you to be grateful for the riches and wealth you already possess; your health, your loving family and friends. Are you still the same person or a better version? What did this experience teach? Were there lessons to be learned? Can you let go of old thought patterns and create new opportunities? MOVE on. Keep moving forward.

I knew then that I would find my internal compass and journey toward new endeavors.

Ideas are born from our dreams and our thoughts. And these thoughts become our words, and our words become our actions. But it all starts with the belief in your ability to create your life, your world, your happiness. It begins with the simple question of “what would make you happy”, and a step, no matter how small, each day in the direction, forward.

And so, like the proverbial phoenix, I am rising from the ashes.


About Deborah Weiner: Deborah Weiner is a partner with THE TEMPORARY SERVICE, a NY based employment service providing creative and administrative staffing talent. She is also the founding Coach and creator of MOVE BEYOND THE FEAR, an enlightened, intuitive Career and Life Coaching Service. Visit www.movebeyondthefear.com or meet Deborah on Facebook/Movebeyondthefear. Please send comments to Deborah@movebeyondthefear.com or dweiner@thetemporaryservice.com

HOW DO YOU SHAKE IT?

HOW DO YOU SHAKE IT?
Bad Handshakes IDENTIFIED

aka: GET A GRIP!

Right or wrong, first impressions DO count. Business deals and employment opportunities could be lost or won depending on how you shake.

Let’s do a simple experiment. Grab a friend, enemy, neighbor or loved one and no, the dog does not count! Don’t think about this, just do it. Shake their hand and WATCH their eyes.

What did that handshake just say?

1. Did you give a fish? Dead grip just lying there passively in your neighbor’s hand?
2. The diva? Hand extended with the fingers facing down, while the body is arched back, and the nose is up in the air?
3. The pope? Uh, that would be the “the kiss my ring” shake, similar to the diva, but the male version, with (believe it or not), more emphasis on the ring
4. The milkshake? The one that goes on and on like your whole arm is in a blender?
5. How about the He-man? I am stronger than you and I want you to know it?
6. A fingertip? Yes, I have really gotten just an index finger
7. Maybe the fist -bump? Not even going to explain
8. Or my personal favorite to receive, the one that has me reaching (and retching) for a napkin and the Purell, the wet limp biscuit?

Did you identify your handshake from the list above? If yes, you better keep reading. Actually, keep reading anyway.

So now that we know what a bad handshake is, what is a good one?
1. Always use your right hand and face the person directly
2. Make and hold appropriate eye contact
3. Extend your arm forward and with vertical palm, comfortably grip and apply balanced pressure (ok, maybe first give a quick inconspicuous wipe on a napkin or hanky -as a precaution)
4. Pump – yes- Pump. 1-3X. About 2 seconds

Who’s idea was this handshake thing?

One explanation I read, comes from Medieval Times, where the open right hand indicated that you were not carrying a weapon. If two men met and displayed empty right hands, they could assume they would not be attacked by the other.
Another possibility is that the shaking motion was meant to dislodge any sharp objects that may have been hidden in an adversaries’ sleeve.

So I think in modern times, especially on a job hunt, be careful of what you have up your sleeve…

your comments are always welcome

http://www.movebeyondthefear.com/

dweiner@thetemporaryservice.com

deborah@movebeyondthefear.com

A JOB? A DATE? WHAT"S THE DIFF?

SEEKING A JOB? SEEKING A DATE or RELATIONSHIP? WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
A few days ago, I bumped into my neighbor, a beautiful woman with a new great job. Clearly upset, as having just returned from a "bad” date, she proceeded to share a few of her war dating stories and the general distaste that she has in the whole search for MR. RIGHT. “Interviewing for my job was easier than dating” she lamented.

That got me thinking, is seeking a love relationship the same as searching for a job?
Let’s see.
We join on-line dating sites and complete copious forms which divulge our personal experiences to strangers.
We patronize trendy and not so trendy bars and restaurants with the hopes of seeing and being seen.
We visit venues that we probably have no interest in as a further attempt to meet our love match.
We are anxious but pumped for the possibilities!
Signals are sent out, an internal dance where we know the rhythm.
We approach or wait with anticipation to be approached by that special someone and think maybe this time there will be the right chemistry.
We make eye contact and smile. Faltering just a bit, recovering swiftly. Déjà vu.
We know our lines-have our story down. We want them to believe in who we are.
We listen to them speak. Pause. Now it is our turn to ask questions, (what’s your sign)? No need to fumble our words. Is there a connection? We want them to know. We need them to know. Are they listening? Are they interested?
It grows late. We lightly kiss goodbye and agree that it was a pleasure to have met and walk our separate ways. Will they call?
Hmmm.
We sign up on job boards and social networking sites, where all our employment history is laid bare for any interested parties to view.
We present ourselves at different venues to network with our peers or potential hiring managers with hope of finding leads.
We are intimate with our resumes.
We are anxious but pumped for the possibilities!
We are correctly attired for the position we are seeking.
Our elevator speech is polished.
Requisite calls and emails to follow up on potential jobs are sent with hopeful anticipation, while we wait apprehensively to be contacted or courted by potential employers.
Eye contact, smile, hand shake-firm. We have been here before. Déjà vu. Find a commonality.
Listen. Pause. Speak. Ask our questions. We will not fumble our words. Are we connecting? We need them to know we can make their work load easier, we are aligned with their company goals. Are they listening? What is their interest level?
Thank you. Shake. It has been a pleasure to have met you. We walk our separate ways. Will they call?
Hmmm.

Your feedback is always welcome and valued.

Ready for a transformative conversation? Visit my website www.movebeyondthefear.com and make your FREE no obligation appointment now.

What do you “Put Out”
on a job interview?
Aka: How does your body betray you?

A few days ago, I ran into an old friend of mine that I remembered as a hotshot attorney at a very prestigious law firm. He revealed that he left that old corporate gig and now earns masses of money as a professional poker player. He proceeded to regale me with stories about sitting around the table and bluffing his opponents. He stated that, “As you are a recruiter and employer, you understand the subliminal effects of BODY LANGUAGE”.

(Yeah, yeah, you also need a good hand). Well, now he really had my attention.

“I know that you coach your candidates to mimic or mirror the volume and stance of the interviewer and to make the appropriate eye contact to show interest in the position. I also know that you school them in being aware of what their arms are doing. Are they crossed-suggesting defense? Are the hands on the hips-indicating aggression- or are they simply relaxed in the lap?”

He was good.

“But Deborah dear, have you looked at the legs and feet?” (Ok, now I will confess, only if they are wearing a great pair of shoes).

“One must look to see if there is a lot of crossing and uncrossing the legs, as lots of movement indicates nervousness. Where as a bouncing foot signifies boredom or impatience. You must also be aware of legs crossed up high on the thigh, which is defensive and connotes a bad hand. One ankle placed on top of the other legs knee, with the knee pointing sideways, conveys confidence and power-a possible full house”

…and just when you thought that all you needed for a great interview was a solid resume, the answers to all anticipated questions and a wee bit of luck.

See you in Vegas.

My coaching website has launched.
Please visit www.movebeyondthefear.com

HOW DO YOU PLAN A WAR?

HOW DO YOU PLAN A WAR....I MEAN A JOB SEARCH?

Ladies and Gentleman, The war is ON. The prize is a Full-Time job.

1. Are you clear on the target?


2. Who is the commander?


3. Who are the troops?


4. What is the plan?


5. What is the back-up plan?


6. Who are you engaging?


7. How are you engaging?


8. What is your ammo?


9. What weapons are available to you?


10. How do you further build your arsenal?


11. Decide are you a passive or aggressive commander?


12. Identify where the landmines are?


13. Do you have a spy inside for tactical knowledge?


14. What supplies do you need to hold out for a siege?


15. Are you able to recognize small victories?


16. Why are they important?


17. When do you retreat and regroup?


18. How many hours are you putting in?
    
    In 1933 FDR made a very profound statement during his inaugural address that is as true today, as it was then.
    THE ONLY THING YOU HAVE TO FEAR, IS FEAR ITSELF
    
    Coming soon: New Website: MOVE BEYOND THE FEAR
    Movebeyondthefear.com

what did you think of this post?

NETWORKING OR NETWREKING?

Welcome to the game...the game of BUSINESS. Where how well you play will depend on following the rules. Like all games, there is an objective. Here, it is to establish RELATIONSHIPS by collecting useful and worthwhile business cards or email addresses for follow-up. Events usually take place in elegant or relaxed venues. There will be obstacles like free flowing vodka and dip with chips (or is it chips and dips?) to navigate at every turn. Your opponents? everyone else in the room with your exact agenda. So come on! Let's play......

1. Decide if the event will serve your contact needs. If you are an advertising executive, how well will your time be served at an event for recent University of Michigan graduates?
2. Prepare a quick mental brief to share about who you are and what line of work you are seeking.
3. Place your name tag just below your RIGHT shoulder. As you shake hands, the eye will see that first.
4. Enter the room and circulate-key in on someone or a group that catches your interest.
5. Smile and make eye contact, listen until you are included.
6. Introduce yourself when there is a pause.
7. Spend only a few moments with each group. Leaving gracefully by closing with a handshake and asking for a card.
8. Never hang out at the bar
9. Always keep your drink in your left hand. Keeping your right hand free to shake.
10. Never talk about sex, religion, income and health-especially yours.
11. Avoid "I"
12. Did I mention have fun?

READY..SET..HIRED!

Ready..Set...Hired!
You sent the resume. You scored an interview, but they said "no thank-you" even though you knew you were the candidate for the position. When it comes to going after the job you want and the job you feel you are qualified for, don't take NO for an answer. Separate yourself from the herd. Do your homework. Know their competition. Show the hiring firm what suggestions YOU can bring to the table. Follow up with a series of emails or quick notes showing them why you are right for the position. Do they need a new business model? Write one. Are they looking for someone to bring in new ideas? Email one (or two). Are the ads looking stale? Create a new one. Explain how you will improve the job. Finding inventive and creative ways to reach out to the hiring manager may establish the desire for the company to reach back out to you. So what are you waiting for? You all have homework to do.