career and employment insights-what you need to know by Deborah Isman Weiner

Quick and Easy ways for setting your 2012 goals 01/17 by Ask Deb and Dave | Blog Talk Radio

2012-01-17T16:39:00.000-08:00

Quick and Easy ways for setting your 2012 goals 01/17 by Ask Deb and Dave | Blog Talk Radio

radio show-Do you believe our President?

2011-09-12T17:31:00.001-07:00

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/debdave/2011/09/12/interviews--how-to-close-that-deal

2011-08-02T11:18:00.000-07:00

Listen to DEBORAH WEINER AND DAVID LUKE interview Jan Meryl Medical Intuitive and Psychic Consultant of JanMeryl.com on blogtalkradio.com/debdave. Tune in and hear Jan talk about Employment and her new book, ENERGY 101: The Key to Understanding Holistic Health http://lnkd.in/_HzFdD

HOW TO SURVIVE A PHONE INTERVIEW

2011-06-23T13:36:00.000-07:00

HOW TO SURVIVE A PHONE INTERVIEW

AKA:

Just because you are home, doesn’t mean you should wear sweat pants!

You might think that being at home for an interview means a more laid back setting. But the key to a successful phone interview is being as attentive as if you are sitting in the Hiring Manager’s office.

I once conducted a phone interview where I repeated the question several times, because the applicant had Oprah on and wasn’t fully listening (to me, or Oprah).

Below, are 11 tips to ACE your phone interview

1. Shut your email, unplug your ears from the Ipod, close the magazines and books and don’t forget to turn off the TV. I will know if it’s on.
2. Answer the phone professionally- Good Morning, this is Deborah, is more professional than “hey what’s up”.
3. Smile while you speak. Smiling shows up in your voice.
4. “Dress Up” for the interview, if you look good, you sound good.
5. Try standing. This helps bring the energy UP.
6. Don’t put your interviewer on hold to answer an incoming call.
7. Yuck, don’t cough or sneeze into the phone.
8. Be prepared. Have your resume, job description, pens and calendar on your desk.
9. Avoid taking the call from a cell phone unless you're absolutely certain that your connection is good and that you won't get disconnected.
10. Always send a follow up Thank You note.
11. Be personable. A warm voice and a sense of humor will go a long way toward establishing a friendly rapport with interviewers.

You only have one time to make a first impression.

Like this? let me know. Deborah@getthatjobTODAY.com

2011-06-02T09:54:00.000-07:00

Sorry, you are soo OVERQUALIFIED!

Don’t you get so frustrated by this response? According to Phil Rosenberg-Something isn’t being communicated, either the employer doesn’t understand that you really want to take a step down (for some good reasons), or because you don’t believe that “overqualified” is the real reason you’ve been turned down.

Employers are partially to blame for this, using overqualified in the same way that we will say “it’s not you, it’s me”, using passive-aggressive communication to avoid an uncomfortable situation but masking the true reasons.

If you’re sick of hearing this, I like some of the tactics that Robin Ryan suggests in this article, published a in TheLadders:

“How To Handle ‘You’re Overqualified’ In Interviews
What should you do if your qualifications outstrip the job?
By Robin Ryan

It seems I continually hear this complaint,’They aren’t hiring me because I’m overqualified.’ One man e-mailed me about this problem:

‘I have a lot of incredible extracurricular professional activities, publishing expertise, project management experience, board leadership skills, etc. I have an MBA, and am a CPA. All of this info is on my resume because it sets me apart. However, I am concerned that people are viewing me as overqualified for lower-level jobs and eliminating me. Yet, the jobs I am truly qualified for are fairly high up and there are only a handful of openings. Help!’

So what should you do if you’re credentialed with good experience and advanced education, are looking to become re-employed and are even willing to take a lower-level position? Here are a few tips:

Don’t Be Tempted to ‘Dumb Down!’

This strategy moves your career backward. You typically end up frustrated, not hired or worse — you find a new job you can’t wait to move out of. Most employers today actually want you working at your highest ability level since productivity is key to everyone’s success. They also want to retain you past the many months it takes to train you for the job, so you can begin to make a contribution to the company.

Do Some Soul Searching and Savvy Preparation.

Acknowledge that employers are reluctant to hire a person who is overqualified because they think the person is unlikely to be happy, won’t stay long, might want the interviewer’s job or may expect fast promotion. Remember that you can be threatening to the interviewer, especially if you are truly suited for the interviewer’s job! He may think you aren’t seriously interested in doing the job for which you’re being hired — nor do employers want someone who’s burned out or sees the job as an easy paycheck.

Examine why you want the position. ‘I need a job!’ is not a response that will endear you to him. You must use your communication skills to convince him why a demotion is a good option. You must create a reasonable explanation. Try this:

‘My current position as Regional Sales Manager requires me to cover 14 states, and the job had grown into 15 nights of travel per month. This has become an increasingly difficult sacrifice for my family. I have decided to seek a major accounts-rep position that allows me to focus on my strengths — selling, sustaining top-notch client relationships and up-selling — but also allows me to go home most evenings. This is not an option at my current job. It requires a lot of out-of-town travel to do the job, which I am no longer willing to do. I believe my extensive marketing and sales skills would greatly benefit your organization in a positive way. I see this as a win/win situation for both of us.’

Don’t Show Desperation.

You may feel it, but it will work against your getting hired if you show how frantic you are to get a job. Too often an executive says, ‘I’ll start at any job just to get my foot in the door.’ That won’t work — it’s an outdated strategy. Being willing to take any job often makes the interviewer disqualify you. She needs a competent person to perform the specific job she’s hiring for.

So, you must show not only that you can do it but also that you want to do it. You can offer some advantages, gained from your experience, such as: ‘My ability to solve problems and train others would be a major plus in the position.’ Many employers are slow to hire, yet pay well when they select someone for the position, so patience is essential.

Look Harder for Positions for Which You Are Qualified.

Employers want a good fit and an individual who delivers results. Customize every cover letter you write and tweak your resume to match the opportunity. Be sure to address the major needs required and demonstrate results you’ve achieved in line with the level requested. A former CEO at a smaller company might only be a midlevel executive at a larger organization, so be clear as to how you’re leveraging past experience and leadership to help a potential employer excel.

Networking Is Key to Hearing About and Landing a New Job.

Ask colleagues, friends, former employees, college alumni, and other contacts for referrals to new people who can help you uncover unadvertised positions. An introduction to a senior executive can open new doors and even create a job when no advertised one was available. Department of Labor statistics reveal that 63 percent of all jobs in 2010 were found through contacts, so network, network, NETWORK!

Like this article? email me at: deborah@getthatjobtoday.com and visit my website for more up to the moment employment tips.

http://tinyurl.com/69nxfv6

2011-05-02T18:25:00.001-07:00

A little Humor....

2011-04-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

A little humor….
Below are the top 10 of the best (really worst) that job candidates have done and said on an interview.
YES! This really has happened.
1. Stretched out on the floor in the reception area to fill out the job application.
2. Announced she hadn't had lunch and proceeded to eat an egg salad sandwich
3. Asked for the restroom key in the middle of the interview, and left the building
4. Handed me a blank application and told me it was written in invisible ink
5. Suggested we become facebook friends because she had a bet with her sister that she could collect more names
6. Asked if I wanted to buy a fake bag
7. Took out a digital camera and asked if he could run video of me interviewing him
8. Asked if he got the job, could he still smoke pot on his lunch hour
9. An applicant came in wearing only the right shoe and said he wanted to start on the right foot.
10. Asked for a copy of my resume to see if I was qualified to review hers

Public speaking - it doesnt have to scare you more than death itself 04/18 by Ask Deb and Dave | Blog Talk Radio

2011-04-19T13:46:00.000-07:00

Public speaking - it doesnt have to scare you more than death itself 04/18 by Ask Deb and Dave Blog Talk Radio

SELL THAT SIZZLE

2011-03-04T11:23:00.001-08:00

STILL HAVE THAT “OBJECTIVE” ON YOUR RESUME?
Read below and see WHY they no longer work and what you can do TODAY that will deliver a bigger bang.

Did you know that the average time it takes a hiring manager or recruiter to shake down, or hit the delete button on your resume is about 15 seconds? So don’t waste 5 precious seconds on a statement that is too cookie-cutter and considered out of date.

Objectives statements revolve around “what the applicant wants” (it’s all about me), vs. focusing on “What the employer wants”(it’s all about them). Objectives fail to provide enough value and insight into who you are and what you will offer a future employer.

Today’s hiring managers want job-seekers that demonstrate their worth by showing how they have solved similar challenges and achieved goals that are aligned to the current issues the manager is confronting today.

In this extremely competitive job market, your goal is to capture the hiring manager’s attention by differentiating yourself from the pack.

SELL YOUR SIZZLE

Branding statements are today’s equivalent of resume objectives. They pitch your most promising strategy. A one line specific declaration that describes the job you want and one or two proficiencies that will capture the interest of the hiring manager.

The goal of every resume is to grab the attention of the employer, prompting them to schedule the interview. Candidates must create a resume that shows their uniqueness from every other job seeker on the market.

Creating this type of statement brings both the promise of YOUR value, and an assurance that YOU are the more qualified candidate. YOU have solved similar problems with past employers.

Remember, Hiring Managers have two sub-conscious questions when evaluating a resume. Is this person going to solve my problem, and does this person understand my problem?

SHOW ‘EM YOU CAN DO BOTH

ARE YOU "GETTING IT"?

2010-09-16T08:39:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-03T07:10:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-06-24T11:07:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-06-02T07:19:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-04-15T12:48:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-03-09T13:33:00.000-08:00

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.

Are you clear on the target?

Who is the commander?

Who are the troops?

What is the plan?

What is the back-up plan?

Who are you engaging?

How are you engaging?

What is your ammo?

What weapons are available to you?

How do you further build your arsenal?

Decide are you a passive or aggressive commander?

Identify where the landmines are?

Do you have a spy inside for tactical knowledge?

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

Are you able to recognize small victories?

Why are they important?

When do you retreat and regroup?

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?

2010-02-16T14:53:00.000-08:00

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......

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?
Prepare a quick mental brief to share about who you are and what line of work you are seeking.
Place your name tag just below your RIGHT shoulder. As you shake hands, the eye will see that first.
Enter the room and circulate-key in on someone or a group that catches your interest.
Smile and make eye contact, listen until you are included.
Introduce yourself when there is a pause.
Spend only a few moments with each group. Leaving gracefully by closing with a handshake and asking for a card.
Never hang out at the bar
Always keep your drink in your left hand. Keeping your right hand free to shake.
Never talk about sex, religion, income and health-especially yours.
Avoid "I"
Did I mention have fun?

READY..SET..HIRED!

2010-01-12T10:52:00.000-08:00

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.

interview stress survival "101"

2009-09-22T10:30:00.000-07:00

You scored that big interview huh? Now how will you get through this? A few ways to help reduce the dreaded S-T-R-E-S-S.

PREPARE, BREATHE......... DON'T CHEW GUM

Re-visit the company website.
Stay current with online sources for any new alerts that have been posted about the firm or about their competition.
Intimately know the contents of your resume/portfolio
Arrive 10 Minutes before the scheduled interview to become familiar with your surroundings.
Visualize yourself relaxed and confident. Create a daydream during which you have successfully landed the job of your dreams.
And, oh yeah, don't chew gum.