The Interview's Password to their Private Club by Dr. Adele Scheele

The Interview's Password to their Private Club

 The real question that most interviewers yearn to ask is off-limits.

 They want to know if you are enough like them to admit you to their
 very private and exclusive club. The process is like rushing for a
 fraternity or sorority; the admissions committee has a radar selector
 for who can join. Those who are rejected never learn exactly why.
 Too bad we can't witness this acceptance and rejection process to
 see for ourselves who wins and the reasons why.


Obviously, interviewers can't ask you if you really fit into their club,
so they substitute questions which they hope will reveal whether or not you belong. And your answer to their masked questions has to be  "Yes, I am just like you! Let me tell you how." And then you choose from your life story only that which  is a good match for them.



I know you are thinking No! In the workplace we need a variety of talents and a diversity of personalities. Take note: there is always a company culture. And you need to fit in to be accepted.



The following Questions and Tips (Q/T) show how you might go about gaining admission:



Q. Tell us about yourself.

T. You could start chronologically, from when you were the youngest, dumbest and least experienced and work up to the present. But first impressions count. Don't overlook that.
Mentally arrange your work history into meaningful categories that match what you know about your potential employers. If they value team spirit, then you might lead with your group activities, projects, or prior experiences from work or school.

Be willing to adopt their interests. If you know the organization contributes heavily to United Way, don't argue that another charity is the better way. If they have a company softball game, now is not the time to announce your sports-aversion. Does this sound too much like kissing up? Well, if they speak French, and you do too, wouldn't you reference France or make a nice turn of phrase, n'est-ce pas? You'd be a saboteur if you didn't. C'est la vie!


Q. Why do you want to work here?

T. You cannot say you need the money; your spouse is unemployed; your mortgage is worth more than your house; the company is so close by. Not a one. Even if all these reasons are true, you can't mention any one of them. Even your skills at face value aren't enough. You must demonstrate how they would add value specifically to the employer.


Hint: If you were in the employer's shoes with a roomful of candidates, would you want to hire someone who just wants to be paid, someone for whom it is merely convenient, someone who is biding time until a better offer comes along, someone desperate who may not even care about the work itself? Nope. You'd hire the one who can not only improve the organization but also has the enthusiasm to actually do so just the way you'd like it done.


So, are you like them enough for them to want you? Even if you don't think you are, it doesn't really matter. You need to present yourself as if you do. No, I'm not advocating that you should become a clone, just a whole lot more politically savvy if you want to get hired.

Make your luck happen!


Dr Adele

DrAdele.com

Volunteering until your ship comes in! by Patty DeDominic

Waiting for your Ship to Come in?

Don't just sit there in the shore watching the skyline..... you've got to launch ships in order to get a return!     Try volunteering as a great way to cultivate connections and get your career sailing again.


Mrs. Fields did it......

Barak Obama did it.....

Patty DeDominic still does it and it never fails.....   that's giving people a chance to get to know you by volunteering.   In Mrs. Field's case the story goes that she sampled her wonderful tasting and smelling cookies and people just got hooked.     President Obama, no stranger to campaigning, worked on several campaigns and helped build a number of important not for profit organizations and waited "patiently on standby" to learn if he would be invited to speak  (for free) at the Democratic National Convention years ago.

Just this week we have referred two fabulous interns and volunteers out to others for paying work!   Why wouldn't we?  We have already had a chance to get "free samples" of the skills, attitude and work ethic of some great people because of our community involvement.

Can volunteering suck up a lot of time with no payoff?   Well, yes, you will need to carefully share yourself on causes you are passionate about and work to be strategic about where you volunteer your time.   If you focus on skill and network building and sharing your passions and gifts the this is where you will have the best leverage for future work.      You will want to craft your messaging.    It is OK to tell people that you are volunteering right now to keep your skills strong and fresh and to meet new people to generate job offers.    Not all organizations will help you get a new job....but many will and you can taylor how you spend your time to the ones which seem to have the most likely connections for yourself.

Seek mentors in the workplace...and at the places you volunteers.   People love to help winners and those who give of their time and treasure and their talents are usually viewed as real winners.
Let your mentor know what your next job goals are desired introductions are.  When you let people know, it is like sending out your ships!  If you don't send out any ships... it is going to be hard for your "ship to come in".


Volunteers of America,    http://www.voa.org/     can help you find the right opportunities for yourself if you don't already "work" at your local favorite charity or organization.

Here's what they say about Why people volunteer:

Beside the fact that more and more Americans are being drawn to community service in response to our President’s call to action, people inherently unite in times of real need―especially when we share a common struggle. The financial crisis in the fall of 2008 hit our country hard, resulting in a disastrous housing market, thousands of lost jobs and the closing of many businesses. This turn of events had grave impact on so many, and yet Americans still pulled together to find a way to help each other―through volunteerism.


How Do We Know This?


As a 113-year-old human service organization that offers volunteer opportunities through thousands of programs, Volunteers of America helps more than 2 million people in over 400 communities in 44 states. Through our ministry of service, we support and empower America’s most vulnerable groups. And although the concept of volunteering is not unique to Volunteers of America, it has had dramatic ties to the roots of our organization. Last year alone, more than 70,000 volunteers sought to serve their fellow Americans through both episodic and long-term community engagement with Volunteers of America.

Consider investing in yourself.... with    Volunteers of America   http://www.voa.org/  

Go For the Offer Patty DeDominic on the 2010 Job Market

Go For the Offer,    Create Your Own Future

I  haven't met anyone with a real crystal ball....but I sure have met quite a few people who invest time imagining the future and then working to create the one they want to make happen.

Today I want to share the experience with an job candidate I'll call "Roger".  (made up name to protect the candidate identity)   This young man exemplified everything the most professional job seeker could do to "go for the offer".   He was a shining example of a true gentleman and  is someone who  made a lasting impression on me, and I am sure on others he comes in contact with.

  Roger was applying for a position with the International Women's Festival. That position  turned out to be a temporary one.. which might turn into full time at a later date.  But for the next few months it is part time and could end in March of this year.   " Roger"  responded to a notice we posted on Craig's List for an executive assistant and office manager.      "Roger" had all the office skills we had requested and he had more than what was expected in the enthusiasm department.    He followed up with a phone call to arrange his appointment and had followed the email-your-resume instructions to a "T".   He did a quick written follow up... nothing nagging or desperet sounding, just a professional "ping" to make sure he stayed in our radar.

He Got the invite to the interview..... first a phone screen then an in person meeting.   First Base, the hoped-for call back.

He showed up to his interview on time with a most positive attitude.

When asked about his office skills and experience he responded positively with a confident smile and with some specific examples of his past experience and how he could help with some of our important projects.    He had done his homework and had combed the Women's Festivals website and he had done some background on the people he was interviewing with.   Now Roger did not have much experience in putting on a major women's empowerment conference but he did not let that stop him.... he had been involved in conferences before, he also talked about his other transferable skills like organizing, follow up and computer spreadsheets, tracking and trouble shooting - all skills that are needed by this employer.

Roger exhibited the most positive "assumed consent" attitude that is so important in today's job market.    With out being over confident, he expressed a positive outlook and his words expressed in every way his desire to become a member of the team.

During the interview he asked questions...not too many, but plenty when he was asked if he had any.    Roger asked about earnings potential for the future, he asked about hours, dress expectations, overtime and other conditions which an informed professional would be expected to know.  Without being too pushy he "qualified us" and learned as much as he could about the longer term potential and the short term opportunity.

Roger got the job offer.......    and was given a day or two to think it over.   After due consideration he was pondering another offer which offered full time, "permanent" employment which he felt would turn into a more positive career path for himself.

One of the things I want you to take away from this is that he kept the conversations most positivie and "went for the offer"   He received an offer of part time, temporary employment and even though it was not the ideal he was most gracious and when it came time to determine  GO or NO GO.. he came to meet with me in person to thank me for the offer!

In the end, Roger decided to accept one of the other offers which also received that week.    We aren't going to benefit by his experience (at the time) on this particular project... but he sure did leave the most positive of impressions.      When he told me that he had decided to accept the other offer and not ours, he did so with a smile and sincere appreciate for the time invested in his as a serious candidate for the job.    

Roger left a lasting impression.      We are quite sure the he is going to be extremely successful as he continues to build his career and his network.   He went for the offer... he got it but he also knew how to gracefully accept the offer which appeared to better meet his career needs at this time.     

You can bet, we'll always be taking his calls and his referrals.   And we can only hope that this employer also left a positive impression on this professional young man - as we definitely want him to accept our calls in the future!    Roger.. and all of you men and women out there...  go for it.. Create your own future... and keep those doors open.

Job and Career Questions? JOB Fair in Santa Barbara Patty DeDominic

Calling all Career Resources and Employers!!

There will be career resources and a special Job Fair area--at the 

California  Women's Festival  on March 5 & 6, 2010 in Santa Barbara.

If you would like to register,  please visit    http://www.womensfestivals.org/   

Scholarships are available if you apply on line  and request a scholarship due to financial need.  

Special Student rate of only $25.00

EMPLOYERS please consider attending and talking to outstanding California Job Candidates:

For more information please fill our the exhibitor form

http://www.womensfestivals.org/exhibit-womens-conference.php

Put    "Employer"  on your application  for a 20% discount.     If you apply and pay prior to  February 2, 2010.    

Patty DeDominic invites you to get up close and personal with inspiring resources and connections which can make a world of difference in your career.   This Career Fair and Conference is open to men and women from all over the USA with special emphasis on Southern California.    

Meet representatives from the National Association of Women Business Owners  http://www.nawbo.org/        SCORE, free counseling for those who wish to start or expand their businesses;    UCSB Career Center and UCSB Women's Center;   Girls Inc,  Women's Economic Ventures;    Green2gold.org;  Future Women CEOs;  

Conference and Job Fair is open to men and women of all ages.

Earl Warren ShowGrounds

Friday March 5, 2010     4-8 PM

Saturday March 6, 2010   8-6pm

visit  http://www.womensfestivals.org/   or   write  info@womensfestivals.org    for more information.

This conference is co sponsored by community leaders, not profit organizations and private corporations including AT&T, Wells Fargo Bank,  Santa Barbara Bank and Trust,  Ricoh-USA, Christie Communications, The Weidemann Foundation,  Gold, global organization for leadership and diversity & DeDominic & Associates.   Event produced by Patty DeDominic     

7 Ways to Spot Tommorow's Trends Today..... The World Futurist Society

7 Ways to Spot Tomorrow’s Trends Today


In the more than 40 years since the World Future Society was founded, futurists have developed a range of techniques to study the future. Here are a few techniques futurist use to spot new opportunities and potential problems. These methods give individuals and organizations an edge to help them succeed in a fast-changing world:



1.Scan the Media to Identify Trends—Futurists often conduct an ongoing and systematic surveys of news media and research institutes. These surveys help spot significant trends and technology breakthroughs. Futurists call this environmental scanning.



2.Analyze and Extrapolate Trends—After the trends are identified, the next step is to plot the trends to show their direction and development into the future. Trend analysis and extrapolation can show the nature, causes, speed, and potential impacts of trends.



3.Develop Scenarios—Futurists often describe the future development of a trend, a strategy, or a wild-card event in story form. These scenarios can paint a vivid picture that can help you visualize possible future developments and show how you can prepare effectively for future risks and opportunities. Scenarios help you to blend what you know about the future with imagination about the uncertain. Scenarios help you move from dreaming to planning and then to accomplishment.


4.Ask Groups of Experts—Futurists also conduct “Delphi Polls” which are carefully structured surveys of experts. Polling a wide range of experts in a given field can yield accurate forecasts and suggestions for action.


5.Use Computer Modeling—Futurists often use computer models to simulate the behavior of a complex system under a variety of conditions. For example, a model of the U.S. economy might show the effects of a 10 percent increase in taxes.

6.Explore Possibilities with Simulations—Futurists create simulations of a real-world situations by means of humans playing different roles. For example, in war games, generals test out tactics they may later use on the battlefield, or corporate executives can explore the possible results of competitive strategies.

7.Create the Vision—Futurists help organizations and individuals systematically develop visions of a desirable future. Visioning creates the big picture of the possibilities and prepares the way for goal setting and planning.

Each issue of THE FUTURIST brings you the results of the work of leading futurists from around the world.



You can also discover how to use these techniques yourself in your business and personal life. We’ve prepared a special report that shows how to use these and other futurist techniques. It’s called The Art of Foresight: Preparing for a Changing World. This report will show you how to use futurist techniques to prepare realistically and creatively for success in your personal and professional life. You can get a copy FREE with an introductory membership in the World Future Society.
Join the World Future Society today
http://www.wfs.org/forecasts/index.html#memberapp

HR Watches the Office, Comments by Patty DeDominic

HR Watches   THE OFFICE


When the company might be imploding

Hosted by Matt Dubno, Originally published on December 18th, 2009



Listen now:HR Watches the Office Hulu Video
Standard Podcast [16:25m]:



Dunder Mifflin is in major financial trouble and the company is now being sold. According to CFO David Wallace, he and all the other executives are going to be canned, but the Scranton office will be okay. However, in tough times, you never know what can happen. A bad economy and corporate restructuring can lead to any number of possibilities.



For any professional, the chance of losing one’s job requires preparation for the future. For the HR team of any transitioning company, each HR professional has to look out for their personal career while maintaining responsibilities within their current crashing company. It’s a tough circumstance.



In this episode we talk with career coach and veteran business manager Patty DeDominic, founder and president of the specialized consulting group DeDominic & Associates. We’ll discuss what Dunder Mifflin employees, real-life professionals, and HR teams can do to make the best out of a really bad situation.


Matt
Patty DeDominic's Comments on What To Do Next!

“It’s a Christmas miracle!”

Cassandra Lee on Your Successful New Year's Resolutions

The Difference Is In Your Follow Up.......    Accomplishing Your New Year's Resolutions

It is our tradition to make resolutions at the start of the new year.
When the count down ends and January 1st begins, we start proclaiming
 the things we will do in the new year that will make us better, wealthier,
 stronger, healthier, smarter, kinder, and wise.




We tell ourselves such resolutions as, "This year, I will lose weight."
"I will find a new job this year." "It is my goal to go back to school this year."
"My New Year's resolution is to stop smoking."
"20__ is the year I will save $300 a month."



Our resolutions - which are personal to us - run the gamut of wants and desires from saving money,  to losing weight, to changing careers, and even to finding love.


The interesting thing about resolutions is that once we make them, most of us don't keep them.
 Studies have shown that less than 20% of people polled in resolution studies actually achieve their desired resolutions.



Why is it that we don't have the follow-through to keep our resolutions?

What can we do to keep the promises we make to ourselves in the new year?

How can we position ourselves to achieve our resolutions?


Since Oprah has dedicated the first week of this month to teaching millions how to live their best life in the areas of health, finances, and spiritual growth, I have decided to dedicate my first article of the new year to teaching millions how to live their best life when it comes to making and keeping New Year's resolutions.

Below you will find strategies that I have found helpful with assisting me with making and keeping my New Year's resolutions. Each strategy will help you to position yourself to actually achieve the resolutions you've set..

CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE

First, I suggest that you change your perspective on New Year's resolutions. If you change your perspective on what a New Year's resolution really is - you will then begin to keep your resolutions more consistently.
 I recommend that you look at resolutions as a goal.


By definition, a New Year's resolution is "a commitment that an individual makes to a project or the reforming of a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous." For some
 of you, although you know the lifestyle change you have committed to make over the next 365 days
 will be advantageous to your lives, again, most of you will fail to stay committed and follow-through
 on the resolution until the end of the year. Don't feel bad, I've been there and done that, too.


I think about my New Year's resolution for 2008,  for instance. I had ended 2007 by making the New Year's resolution to put my thoughts into words and share them with others at least twice a month during 2008. I had a monthly newsletter that I had created in 2007 and I wanted to stay committed to writing an article and posting it to my Website no later than the 5th of every month.



I also had a blog that I had started but was not really utilizing. I made the New Year's resolution to put my thoughts into words at least once a week and to share them with others using the blog as a way to become savvy with using a new form of technology and to improve my habit of writing on a more frequent basis.


Did I actually do any of this in 2008? NO! As a matter of fact, when January 5, 2008 came and went, I still had not put the finishing touches on my monthly article. With this realization, I panicked because I believed that I was breaking my New Year's resolution. "What is wrong with me?", I kept asking myself for weeks, as if this question was going to jump start me into action and help me get my articles written and posted onto my Website, blog, or even EzineArticles.com.


January quickly turned into March, which then turned into July, and from there it became October, and the next thing I knew, it was a completely New Year again and I still had not posted any articles anywhere.

However, something interesting happened to me as the months moved along. I began to let go of the guilt of not succeeding at my New Year's resolution. I also began to appreciate the strides I made toward completing simple steps associated with my resolution. Even though I had missed the chance to fulfill my New Year's resolution of posting my articles, I did commit to the action of writing my thoughts on the page. In reality, I had failed to follow-through on the New Year's resolution, but I had succeeded at the goal of writing.



Once I changed my perspective to see New Year's resolutions as nothing but a goal,
 I began to operate differently - mentally, emotionally, and physically.

 I revised my resolution for 2008 into a goal where I told myself that my goal was to write my thoughts on the page whenever a thought worth writing entered into my mind. This goal became easier to keep. There was less stress on me to accomplish it. Amazingly, over time, I made progress.



SET A PLAN

Second, I suggest that you set a plan for achieving the goal in order to make and keep your resolutions.

A plan is nothing more than a set of actual steps (tasks) you complete toward the achievement of your goal.

Think about what your goal (resolution) is and then consider the action steps you will need to complete in order to make progress toward achieving it.


For my revised resolution (goal), my plan became to write whenever thoughts worth writing entered into my mind. That was simple enough for me to follow-through on because I found that the thoughts prompted me to act.



OBTAIN THE RIGHT RESOURCES

Third, I suggest that you obtain the right resources that will allow you to follow-through and achieve your goals.


Take into consideration what you have determined as the goal you will achieve in the New Year and what resources you will need in order to achieve that goal. Is it new workout equipment? Will you need a financial planner? Do you know the type of job site you must join? What type of bank account will you need? Which school will offer you the classes you need for the degree/certification you desire?

Create a list of the resources you currently possess that will help you to achieve your goal. Put a check mark next to the ones you definitely have and highlight the ones that you don't. Seek out and obtain the resources that you don't have so that you will have what you need to achieve your goal.

For my revised resolution, all I needed was a pen and paper. Therefore, I purchased two ink pens with four colors to help spark my creativity. I obtained a small pocket size notebook for my purse, a large notebook for my traveling suitcase, a simple desktop writing pad for my computer stand, and a journal for my bedside. These resources allowed me to write down the thoughts that entered my mind that I felt were worth writing.



READJUST TO SETBACKS

Fourth, I suggest that you quickly readjust your thinking after you encounter a setback when attempting to follow-through and achieve your resolutions (goals).



There is an adage that says, "What you think about you bring about." Therefore, when you think negative thoughts about your poor progress in achieving your resolutions, you will have exactly that, poor progress.



I found that stressing over missing my deadline of January 5, 2008 to post my articles on my Website actually debilitated me into not taking action at all. I played the "woe is me" role for so many weeks that by the time I was ready to take action, a half of year was already gone.



Once I changed my thought patterns regarding the resolution, I began to see some progress. I readjusted first by changing my perspective of the resolution into a goal. Then I made a decision about how the goal should be carried out. Within a matter of weeks, I was actually making progress and achieving my goal.



Ensuring your success with achieving your goal will require you to quickly readjust to any setbacks. Don't do as I did and allow a lot of time to pass. As soon as you realize that you've hit a setback, readjust and keep moving forward.



REWARD YOUR PROGRESS

Finally, in order to ensure that you can make and keep your resolutions, I suggest that you reward your progress.



Treat yourself to something that is personal to you. A new outfit, a brand new game for your PS2, a set of golf clubs, a candlelit bubble bath, some new jewelry, dinner out with family or friends, a night out on the town to see a movie of interest, a quiet evening at home, or even a gift card to your favorite store.



Whatever you give yourself, make sure that you provide it to yourself after you have readjusted to any setbacks you encountered. Also, give yourself a reward after you've reached certain milestones in your progress. No matter the reward you give yourself, it will serve as a motivator to help you make progress toward your goal, as well as, serve as a reminder of your success when you achieve your goal.



In November of last year, I treated myself to a big bag of the Garrett Mix - CaramelCrisp® & CheeseCorn™ popcorn as my reward for achieving my goal of writing. Garrett popcorn is my personal reward that I get whenever I've accomplished a major milestone in my life. Not only was I proud of myself for getting back on track and making progress toward my goal, but I was also proud of myself for realizing how to overcome the problem of not keeping my New Year's resolution.



What you will find, as I have discovered, is that the five strategies for making and keeping your New Year's resolutions rests upon you changing your perspective and seeing your resolutions as goals; setting a plan to achieve your goals; obtaining the right resources; readjusting to setbacks; and rewarding your progress.




When you follow these five suggested strategies for making and keeping your New Year's resolutions, you will find that you will live your best life by demonstrating more commitment and follow-through to keep your resolutions. Furthermore, you will position yourself to keep all of the promises you make to yourself for the things you want to achieve and accomplish in the new year.



Cassandra "D.I.V.A. of Dialog" Lee has a mission for educating and empowering audiences toward personal growth and career success. As a self-development expert, professional speaker, corporate trainer, author, and life coach, she uses "Divine Inspiration Vocally Applied" to provide strategies and solutions for helping her audiences via her live seminars, workshops, keynote speeches, training sessions, and one-on-one coaching sessions. To receive personal empowerment tidbits FREE each month, sign-up for her newsletter, Dialog Digest at http://www.divaofdialog.com/newsletter.aspx.


http://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandrarleeClick here to reach Cassandra Lee



Cassandra Lee

Trainer and President of     SSANEE Training & Consulting Group
She serves as a facilitator for Skill Path Seminars and in a volunteer capacity as a
Sponsor/Club President   Toastmasters International in Chicago, Illinois

Om Malik on "Are You Ready for the iEconomy?"

By Om Malik

The Mophie Credit Card Reader

Jack Dorsey’s Square, Incase, Verifone and now Mophie — these companies’ credit card readers are turning the iPhone/iPod touch platform into an e-commerce engine.



Mophie, a Los Angeles-based company that makes accessories for the iPod/iPhone devices will release a credit card reader at CES in January 2010. The device is going to have a reader and a software that would allow small businesses to take credit cards. No more details are available just yet.



I, for one, would like to see Mophie or one of these other startups come up with a way for me to scan my own credit card to enter it into an app or web site. Even better, I’d love it if they married their hardware with the functionality of something like 1Password. In doing so, they could enable e-commerce via the iPhone apps. Think of it as iEconomy.



I know, I know — it’s easier said than done, considering it would need some deep, system-level mucking around, and Apple isn’t going to let that happen. But it should! By opening up, it would make the iPhone into an even more useful platform. While I can understand Apple’s hesitation at opening up the iPhone, it can start with iPod touch, which is not tethered to a wireless phone company’s network.



By focusing on the consumers, these companies can also overcome two things: somewhat finite number of likely small business customers and get scale, which would allow them to get cheaper. And this would also help them overcome the slower adoption rates normally encountered when chasing the small business market. In fact, companies such as Visa, MasterCard and large banks should be trying hard to figure out how they can put these kind of readers in the hands of both merchants and consumers, thus shifting even more transactions into the electronic realm.





The Verifone Card Reader

OK, you can see I am just way too excited about this stuff. Why not? I am encouraged to see such experimentation. It ties in with my big belief: the marriage of computing and connectivity without the shackles of being tethered to a location is the the biggest disruptive force of our times, and it will redefine business models for decades.



For a long time, companies like Symbol Technologies, a division of Motorola, have been making point-of-sale and handheld computing devices for non-office environments such as retail locations and warehouses. It is becoming obvious by the day — they are amongst those being disrupted.



I am looking forward to more Mophies and Squares!

Mobile Apps: Apple, iPhone, Jack Dorsey, Mophie, Motorola, Square, VeriFone
 

 
Om Malik Bio
Om is the founder of GigaOM Network, where he is currently a senior writer. He has worked as a senior writer for Forbes.com, Red Herring and Business 2.0. He is the author of Broadbandits: Inside the $750 Billion Telecom Heist. Om blogs about baseball, life and music on his personal blog, OmIs.Me.
 Follow him on Twitter @om

Calling All Women With Vision: 2010 WIFTI Short Film Showcase Submission Deadline

Calling All Women With Vision: 2010 WIFTI Short Film Showcase Submission Deadline

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