Tag Archives: Networking

Planes, Trains & New York Cabs

It’s an early, early Southwest morning flight from Reno, NV to the East Coast but it is one that I do many times a year now that daughter, Barbara and son, Davis, go to college out in New York and my twin sister, Diane, lives in Boston.

But I really should learn not to go in the middle of a hot, humid summer.  It’s always an “historic” heat wave exactly when I’m due to arrive.  And during the winter, it’s always the “worst storm in the century”.  But plans are plans.  So yes, I’ll be on those planes, trains and in lots of yellow cabs this July 4th holiday week.

I will be thinking of you all as I’m doing laps around Times Square searching for an air conditioned coffee shop or a cool, dark bar for a frosty beer. Can I sneak an underage daughter in?  You bet, if I’m desperate enough!  But I can tell you that I’ll be avoiding the subway system (despite daughter’s protests) because I always seem to get in the one that gets stuck underground.  Those yellow cabs are worth every penny in my humble, older and wiser opinion.

Power outrages?  Stuck in an elevator?  I better avoid those too. I’m a bit claustrophobic which I blame on my twin sister, Diane, who is 100x worse than me.  Now that’s not a pretty sight . . . two twins stuck on an elevator in downtown New York City during a heat wave.  I actually would feel sorry for anyone stuck with us.  First, we would chat them up until their eyes glazed over.  Since both of us are social workers and psychotherapists we can find lots to talk about in someone’s family history – whether they want to or not.

Then we would move on to solving the world’s problems which could keep us entertained for hours.  We could also try and learn how to work our fancy IPhones since we would have lots of uninterrupted time.  I don’t know if cell phones work in a NYC long, tall elevator or not.  But if they do, we could work our way down our contact lists just calling to say hello to all our old friends who are not stuck in an elevator.  By the time we’re done with all that, the NYC fire department would be a very welcome sight . . .  for both us and our fellow elevator hostages.

So off to pack up those bags for another East Coast adventure.  Have a wonderful festive July 4th holiday week.  Just don’t get on those subways or elevators – stick to the yellow cabs!

 

 

 

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Working in Greece & Opening Doors

I’m back!  It was a fabulous 3 week adventure in Greece working for Global Volunteers on the island of Crete.  My twin sister, Diane, and three other wonderful women from Canada, Kathleen Close; Sandra Close and Sheila Davis made up our volunteer team under the wise leadership of Sam Pinakoulaki, our country host.  We called ourselves “Sam’s Chippy Chicks” and what fun we had!  The wine was flowing; the food was terrific; the sun was hot; the  buses were crowded and the laughs were endless.

 

Greek Hospitality is the Best! 

One of the best parts of the trip was living in the family hotel, Hotel Hankadas, and becoming part of the Greek extended family that gathers there every morning, afternoon and evening to talk, watch the political news, eat, work in the vineyards around the hotel and share a glass of wine with us at the end of the night.

We loved Paul who runs the hotel with his two sisters, Irene & Suzanne and his wife, Catherine.  There are also lots of other community people in and out including several traveling salesmen who sell linens out of their trucks up in the villages.

 

Our Work in Greece – Opening Doors for Future Volunteers

We were the 87th Global Volunteer team (and the first for 2012) to work in this small community, Amoudara, just outside of Heraklion in Crete. Our work assignment changed upon our arrival – from working each day in a local school teaching English to more community outreach and liaison work.  As one door closed another opened!

We were honored to be invited to work in a battered women’s safe house planting a garden and cleaning the house for the residents.  There are only two battered women’s shelters in the entire country!  In addition, we represented Global Volunteers at their monthly Board Meeting meeting networking with many of Heraklion’s most influential women activists – from age 80 to 20.  Our hope is that future teams will be allowed to work with the shelter especially in supporting the organization’s future children’s orphanage “House of Angels”.

We also learned that “volunteerism” is a very new concept in Greece.  We had a chance to meet with a newly formed group of women volunteers through a special invitation by the Vice-Mayor of Gazi.  In the local government chambers we participated in a joint meeting sharing our visions and commitment to volunteerism in all communities.  It didn’t matter that we spoke different languages – smiles & laughs communicated all that we need.

Over the next few days, we were invited to participate in a larger women’s meeting at the local Chamber of Commerce and then to visit a local kindergarten for young children of working parents.  The weeks ended with a phenomenal trip up to the mountains to visit Saint Spiro’s center for mentally delayed adults (more on that later!).

I have many funny stories and wonderful lessons learned.  I’ll share many of those over the next few weeks.  And if you see me packing my backpack again you know where I’m going . . . to Hotel Hankadas!

Posted in And a Bit More, Communication Tips, Global Training & Coaching, Navigating Change, Networking, Personal Development, Your Time & Energy | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Job Interviews: What To Do After

With a delicious sense of accomplishment, you leave the interview ready to celebrate making it through yet-another interview.  It’s been exciting but also exhausting.  And you’re ready to meet some friends for a glass of wine and tell them the story of how the interview went – especially if it’s for a position you really want.

But wait . . . there’s one more step to take.  And that’s a short “performance-based” followup email and a handwritten thank you note.  Sounds like a lot of work when you’re emotionally you’re ready to relax?  Well, this extra step can (and often does) make the difference in how you are remembered and considered for the position.

Your Follow-Up Email Reinforces Impression

First, send a short email to the individual (or individuals) that interviewed you expressing your appreciation for the interview and covering these three points:

  • Your understanding of the needs of the organization/priorities
  • How you can bring unique value to the organization/ie. meet those needs
  • Your confidence that you would be a good fit for the position & organization

And then don’t forget to express your interest in being hired. Amazing how many people never say that either in the interview or in the follow-up written correspondence.  If you want the job, tell them!

Your Handwritten Note – Icing on the Cake

Second, sit down and write a short, short thank you note on a nice card saying simply thank you for the interview, you feel you would be a good fit and you’re looking forward to hearing from them soon.  Just like our mothers used to make us do . . . it’s a habit that sets you apart from the pack.  And that thank you note always brings a smile because so few people take the time to say a personal thanks.

And . . . think of this.  If they offer the position to someone else who then turns it down (happens all the time) and they are looking at an alternate and they see your note sitting on their desk . . . we always want to stay in front of the decision makers continuing to build a positive relationship.  Try it!

 

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Power of Intention in the Job Search!

Over the last couple of weeks I have been writing about my college-age daughter’s summer internship quest through the streets of New York City.  Barbara’s journey has given me wonderful material for this blog and allowed me to share with you the multiple complex steps of going through an intense job search.  And it’s been at an amazing pace!

What we all can learn from Barbara is the power of intention.  Early on, Barbara knew what she wanted . . . and she was determined to make it happen.  Being a strong “J” on the Myers Briggs Personality Inventory (MBTI), Barbara figured out what she needed to do: when she needed to do it, and then (with a bit of help from Coach Mom) how to move through these steps quickly but effectively. The result . . . a summer internship at a prestigious firm in New York City for the summer.

This is what Barbara did . . . not alone because a savvy job seeker pulls in all the resources they can.  So she had  excellent help from the Career Center at Syracuse University,  New House School of Communication, and late night help from her ever faithful Coach Mom.

It’s a Journey – Not for the Faint of Heart

It’s tough and not for the faint of heart.  But this list of the “must dos” of a job search will give you some ideas if and when you start thinking about a delicious new career chapter for yourself – or maybe for one of those family members who are also itching for a change.

These were Barbara’s 12 job search steps . . .

  • Clarified exactly what she wanted – the who, what, where, when & why
  • Maximized networking contacts & references to open doors
  • Used professional resources and offers of help appropriately
  • Designed an eye-catching resume specific to the PR industry
  • Created targeted cover letters that matched need to value
  • Personalized follow-up emails to ensure a prompt response
  • Complied a “I Can Do” mini-portfolio
  • Rehearsed telephone interview strategies and questions (& debriefed afterwards)
  • Prepared physically, emotionally & mentally for on-site personal interviews (& debriefed afterwards)
  • Sent personal thank you letters after every interview
  • Graciously handled final offers & negotiated hiring terms/days/responsibilities etc.
  • Celebrated!

Is It Worth It?

If you are ready for a brand new career or to take your career up to that next level the answer is a solid YES. But it takes work, perseverance and a belief in yourself that you can make something happen. It might take longer in this tough economy but don’t give up . . . just give it time. And if you get stuck, call me!

 

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The Power of Story Telling in Interviews

Do you get a little nervous and tongue-tied when asked to describe your talents, skills and strengths in a telephone or face-to-face interview? That’s normal.  It’s not that you don’t have anything to say – actually you have lots to say – but the challenge is saying something concise and meaningful in a way that captures the interviewer’s interest and conveys the value you can bring the organization.

So try this new, old approach . . . story telling. Everyone loves a good story.  And people remember a good story because it creates a visual image for them.  We come alive while both telling stories and listening to them.  Stories are powerful, but they take planning to avoid the pitfall of a tale that goes on and on.

Selecting Strengths for a Story

Here’s how to get started in deciding what is most important to communicate in an upcoming interview.  First, think of a strength that you want to highlight for the interviewer(s).  This strength should speak to one of these five P.E.A.K.S areas:

  1. Your Personal Characteristics (ability to work in a team, leadership, handle conflict, attitude etc.)
  2. Your professional Experience in this industry or in the responsibilities being requested
  3. Your Accomplishments which you have been recognized for by your colleagues
  4. Your Knowledge (formal education and on-going professional development)
  5. Your range of Skills appropriate to this job opening.

Use the C.A.R. to Create Your Story

Once you have selected the strength that you want to showcase take a minute to rough out one short paragraph that tells the story.  And here’s the trick . . . use the C.A.R. format.  This works beautifully to keep your story short and to the point.

  • C = Challenge (what was the challenge you faced ie. new project, a conflict etc)
  • A = Action  (what was the action you took – focus on your actions)
  • R = Results (what were the concrete results that happened as a result of your actions)

And then the icing on the cake is tieing in the results with the value you could bring this company if hired.  Play with this . . . do one story completely and then a couple more.  Shoot for about 8 – 10 short stories.  Create a cheat sheet for yourself with the C.A.R. format.  For each story hit each of the three points briefly adding in the final touch of the value you would bring.

Practice each story out loud to your dog but don’t overdo it.  You want your natural voice, enthusiasm and energy to come through as you’re telling the story.  After all, you’re talking about you at your best.  Good luck out there, and if you see me along the way tell me your best story.  I’d love to hear it!

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