Tag Archives: Relationships

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!

 

Posted in Career Tips & Strategies, Career Transition Skills, Communication Tips, Navigating Change, Networking, Your Time & Energy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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!

 

Posted in Career Tips & Strategies, Career Transition Skills, Navigating Change, Networking | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Power of Money

I finally got my daughter’s old IPod to work and I’ve been using it while pounding along on the trend mill at the gym these past few mornings.  Just by chance, I uploaded the keynote address of author Lynne Twist, The Soul of Money from the International Coach Federation (ICF) conference in St. Louis, MN 2006.

I closed my eyes and remembered what an incredible presence Twist was on that stage in front of 1,400 coaches from around the world.  And she was talking about this funny subject of money.  It’s a subject near and dear to the hearts of all us entrepreneur coaches but Twist put a whole different perspective to it.

Money Was Invented

Money doesn’t grow in our natural world.  It is an human invention and was originally created to facilitate the sharing of goods and services.  But somewhere along the way we started to give immense power to money – even over human life.  People will go to the extreme all in the name of money – damaging personal relationships; destroying natural resources and always their own soul, values, time, energy and spirit.

Now, rather than relating to money as simply a tool that was invented to make life easier we have come to assume that money is everything –  it has control over our lives and happiness.  Interesting . . .

A Coach’s Perspective

Recently, I met an accomplished young woman executive that was looking to fast track her career into an area that really didn’t interest her.  “Why?” I asked.  “To make more money”.  She gave many reasons around having more material possessions but more happiness?  This conversation was a powerful confirmation of what Twist was talking about.  The power we give money . . . do we really want to give away our heart and soul?

Posted in And a Bit More, Career Tips & Strategies, Inspirational Leadership, Personal Development | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff at Work

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff at Work: Simple Ways to Minimize Stress and Conflict While Bringing Out the Best in Yourself and Others, by Richard Carlson, Ph.D., 1998.

Many of us have read this book because it is truly one of the best books on stress management ever! It’s been around for years along with Richard Carlson’s first book, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff . . . And It’s All Small Stuff.

Both books deliver a wealth of simple, practical and “easy to do” tips on how to reduce stress and conflict in our lives every single day. Carlson is a master at teaching us how to reframe our thoughts, our perceptions and our behavior to achieve a more harmonious and healthy life style. Pick it up again for the new year – and a few copies for friends as well!

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Holidays Are a Great Time to Connect With Others

The best part of the holiday season is time connecting with others. I’ve always found this true even when living in Norway, working full-time and raising two little ones. It’s often “wickedly busy” during the early part of December but the closer it gets to Christmas Day, the quieter work becomes here at the office.

That’s my time to connect with others – for coffee, lunch or a simple chat on the phone. And I find that’s generally true for others as well – fewer meetings are scheduled, workloads ease off a bit and people can catch their breath.

 So here’s my holiday career tip for you:

Pick up the phone each day and call a favorite client to just say hi and wish them happy holidays. Keep it simple and genuine. You’re not asking for anything. You are just reconnecting.

People like to know that others are thinking about them. I like it as well – you can give me a call too!

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