What if you are the Interviewer?

During my human resources classes, I encourage students to stand-up and walk around to the other side of the desk.  Frequently, students only consider a situation from a personal point of view. 

When difficult decisions are required such as reduction in staff or reassignment, it is easy to take the side of an employee.  Many applicants view a job as “what’s in it for me” (WIIFM). However, the hiring manager is asking himself/herself the question, “Will this person assist me in accomplishing my assigned objectives?”.

I am suggesting that as you enter an interview situation that you consider the needs and temperament of the interviewer. You should focus on how you can contribute to the success of the organization in general and to the hiring manager in particular.  

You need to be specific about how your prior accomplishments and experience will be beneficial to the hiring company.  

 I am not suggesting that you blow your horn loudly; however, emphasizing your relevant strengths during the interview would be a good strategy.   

Have you ever considered moving to the other side of the desk?  What is that old expression about walking a mile in someone else’s moccasins? 

Thanks.

Glyn

Blue-Collar Workers in Short Supply

An article in The Dallas Morning News – January 22, 2012, edition on page 6P, “In short supply: blue-collar workers” by Joel Kotkin discusses the need for skilled workers.

Kotkin quotes Karen Wright, CEO of Ariel Corp of Mount Vernon, Ohio, “My biggest problem isn’t the lack of work; it’s a lack of skilled workers.  We have a very skilled workforce, but they are getting older.”

The article is very persuasive about the lack of skilled workers in the U.S.  Kotkin writes “the oversupply of college-educated workers is especially striking when you contrast it with the growing shortage of skilled manufacturing workers.”

What is the message for job seekers? As you search for jobs, you should consider skilled positions.  If organizations are in need of such workers, perhaps training positions are available.

I think that the term blue-collar has a demeaning connotation in that if implies only manual labor. The term skilled-worker invokes a very different image and should be used by organizations seeking employees.  

If you are unemployment with a college degree, I suggest that you should consider skilled worker positions. 

Thanks.

Glyn

Merit Badges Replacing College Diplomas?

An article in The Wall Street Journal January 21, 2012, edition on page C3 by Jeffrey R. Young, “Merit Badges for the Job Market” got my attention. 

Young suggests that college diplomas could be replaced by merit badges as evidence of the competence of a job seeker.  Mr. Young compares such experience badges with merit badges earned by Boy Scouts.  The article states that many educational reformers feel that the standard certification system no longer works on today’s fast changing market.

Such merit badges could be earned via the Internet. Peter Thiel, a founder of PayPal, offered selected students $ 100,000 not to go to college.  He challenged recipient to start a company instead of sitting in a lecture hall.

“Today, the Internet provides universal access to books and lectures and a fluid social network to that lets any 19-year-old with an idea to find rich investors or flash a resume to potential employers.”

The article reminds me of Michael Dell and Bill Gates who have done fairly well being college drop-outs; however, it is interesting to note that Young who wrote the article has a law degree from Stanford University.

I am thinking that your resume should include all badges that you have earned.  Further, I do not think that having a college degree is a disadvantage to finding employment.  Merit badges may be a great advantage and perhaps an organization’s employment decision tie-breaker.

Please share your opinion about badges with readers of this blog.   

Thanks.

Glyn

Consider Being A Personal Virtual Assistant?

An article in The Dallas Morning News – January 15, 2012, edition on page 1J, “A Virtual Way to Assist Employer” by Christine Durst and Michael Haaren of Creator Syndicate answers a reader’s question about opening a home-based business.  The reader had 10 years experience as an administrative assistant.

Using the acronym PVA (personal virtual assistant), the writers suggests that executive level personnel typically have a great need for someone to handle many scheduling and personal tasks that executives often have.  Further, authors make the point that an independent contractor removes the requirements for payroll taxes and benefits that accrue to an organization’s employees. 

In addition our organizational culture seems to have removed “girl Fridays” from the workforce. Have you asked someone to pick-up your cleaning or bring you coffee lately?

Beginning in the 1990s, the PVA industry has its origin in countries including India, Philippines, and Australia.  However, the field is just beginning in the US.   

If you enjoy taking care of details and errands for others, I think that you might consider becoming a PVA.

Please share with readers of this blog your opinion about PVAs.

Thanks.

Glyn

Life’s Routines and Finding Employment

Recently I have been thinking about how our lives are replete with daily and weekly routines.  Do you have such routines that occupy your time?  

For example, on every Wednesday my wife and I go to North Dallas Shared Ministries (NDSM) where we volunteer our time to assist people in need.  Wednesday afternoon my wife attends a meeting of ladies in our condo who discuss various current events and share a drop of wine and some nibbles during their discussions.  Fridays are spent volunteering by my wife at NDSM and for me at SCORE.   Saturday includes breakfast at Angela’s.  The Sunday   schedule always includes church followed by lunch at the Corner Bakery, Fernando’s, and Houston’s.  My Mondays frequently included the grading of papers from my Thursday night class. Tuesdays typically includes lunch at the Black Eyed Pea.

As you can see, we are retired; however, I recall that days during my full-time work were also filled with routines.  So I am thinking that job seekers may have also become trapped in a nest of routines.  My concerned here is that staying with unsuccessful routines while not mentally challenging may not result in finding employment.  I have heard many people say that continuing to do the same thing again and again and expecting different results is one definition of insanity.

So what is my message?   I encourage all job seekers to review their weekly activities.  Change something!  There are numerous suggestions for job seekers contained in my blogs.  I suggest that you make a weekly schedule that includes measurable job seeking activities.  Each Monday or perhaps Sunday night, you should review the results of last week’s accomplishment and planning activities for the coming week.  

By developing a measurable work-plan, I think that you will greatly improve the possibility of becoming employed.  Do you have routines that may inhibit your ability to become employed?

Thanks, Glyn

New Year’s Day 2012

Do you consider New Year’s Day a time to start anew, or do you consider New Year’s Day simply a time to continue your existing path?

I suppose the answer to this question is that it depends.  If you are pleased with your life and want it to continue with perhaps only some minor course corrections, then you should continue as you are.  However, if 2011 has not been particularly kind to you, perhaps it is time to redefine your action program.

For individuals who are seeking employment or are unhappy with their present situation, New Year’s Day can be an opportune time to change the strategy used to obtain a satisfying employment and life. Here are my suggestions for you to use in developing a new strategy:

1.  Objectives - What – It is important that you clearly define your objectives for 2012.  Objectives should meet the SMART test - Specific, Measurable, Acceptable, Reasonable, and Time-Based.

2.  Strategy - How – Based on your defined objectives, you should develop strategies for achieving your objectives.

Developing a strategy without first establishing clear objectives is the same as choosing a means of transportation for taking a trip before deciding where you are going.  Here is an example that you might use as you develop your own strategy:

Objective:

Specific – A position in retail – sales or operations

Measurable – Hours per week in focused job search - 25 hours, Contacts per week - 5, interviews per week - 2, job offers - 3

Acceptable – Criteria for yourself, family, and others – relocation, shift         work, travel required

Reasonable – What were your previous earnings salary range for         position you are seeking

Time-Based – Typically you can expect one month search time for     each $10,000 per year target salary

Strategies:  This blog contains numerous ideas for identifying job opportunities and obtaining job offers including resume preparation, Internet searches, and interviewing skills.  I continue to recommend extensive use of networking among friends, family, job fairs, nonprofit organizations, previous work relationships as a proven strategy for becoming locating and landing a job.

These steps may seem like too much work; however, give them a try and measure your results.

Best wishes for a successful 2012!  Please share your job search successes with readers of this blog.

Thanks, Glyn