Dealing with Pressure

Our minister in a recent sermon discussed the problem of being under pressure.  He described the pressure a World Cup goal keeper was under as he faced an opponent about to kick a game deciding penalty shot.  As a personal point, he recalls the pressure he was under before he preached his first sermon in his new parish and saw several high-profiled dignitaries in the audience. 

I am thinking that a job interview is also a high pressure situation.  How should one cope with such pressure?

Here some things to remember:

1. Unless this is not your first rodeo (job interview), you have been there before, and you survived.  You should prepare for the interview and go into it with confidence that you are up to the task.

2. Ask for help!  We often are reluctant to ask for help.  No one knows everything, and one should not think that it is a weakness or lack of face to simply ask an experienced individual for some advice.

3. Finally, pressure can be a good thing!  When you know the situation is critical, your adrenaline hormones will give an energetic feeling of power and strength to face the job interview.   

Please comment in this bIog or email at mailto:glynjordan@gmail.com examples of how you have successfully dealt with high pressure situations.

Thanks!

Glyn

Networking Techniques

It is often said that the best way to find a job is through networking.  Here is one definition of networking:

Creating a group of acquaintances and associates and keeping it active through regular communication for mutual benefit. Networking is based on the question "How can I help?" and not with "What can I get?"

 http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/networking.html#ixzz35OPDSwZT

It is instructive to note that networking is a multiple-directional channel in which all parties benefit.

I found the following list of rules for networking:

Rules of Networking

DO

·         Try to give as much as you get.

·         Follow up on any leads you receive and report back to anyone who has given you a lead.

·         Be well informed before asking questions.

·         Call members of your network at times other than just when you need something. Occasionally call for "no reason at all."

·         Keep in touch with your old network.

·         Call ahead when you have given someone's name to a person in your network.

·         Keep expanding your network.

·         Take advice when you have asked for it.

·         Deliver on your promises.

·         Take others up on their offers to help.

·         Include a wide cross-section of people in your network.

·         Try to circulate at network meetings.

·         Support and promote other people, as well as yourself.

·         Know your skills, accomplishments and goals.

DO NOT

·         Be afraid to ask for what you need.

·         Pass up opportunities to network.

·         Expect your network to serve as a placement service.

·         Be discouraged if someone is unresponsive to your networking overtures.

·         Expect any group to meet all your needs.

http://www.careers.csulb.edu/job_search/networking.htm

Please comment in this bIog or email at mailto:glynjordan@gmail.com if you find these ideas helpful.

Thanks!

Glyn

Some Thoughts about Resumes

A friend of mine asked me to review her resume last week.  I thought I would share some of my ideas about resumes in this blog.

First, I think that it is important to remember the difference between a resume and a job description.  Job descriptions typically outline the specific duties for a given position.  In addition the job description lists the knowledge, skills, and abilities that the job incumbent should possess in order to be successful. 

On the other hand, a resume describes how an individual performed in a job. Accomplishments are important components of an individual’s resume.  For example, a job description may list the duties of a salesperson.  But a resume should outline how successful an individual had been while being in the sales position.  Key numbers such as sales volumes, number of new customers, and creative marketing strategies used may be important to the hiring manager.  The specific accomplishments and numbers will vary based on productivity factors associated with a position.

Further, I suggested that the inclusion of information that is not relevant to the target job should be avoided.  A passion for old movies may not be important to the hiring manager.  I personally prefer a resume to contain a chronological listing of previous job experience.  Breaks in service may require an explanation for the hiring organization.  

Please comment in this bIog or email at mailto:glynjordan@gmail.com your suggestions for individuals as they prepare or enhance their resumes.

Thanks!

Glyn

The Jobs that Used to Be

An article in the June 5, 2014, edition of The Dallas Morning News on page 1B by Steve Blow, “The stuff that used to be here”, got my attention today and inspired me to make a variation of stuff to jobs.  Steve, while on his way home, recalls many landmarks that have disappeared. For examples, a Phillips Service Station, a Kmart, Food Lion, a Kips, Chuck Wagon, Casa View Baptist Church no longer exist.

So I started thinking about the jobs that I held that no longer exist.  Being a farm boy, I remember a roller for newly planted cotton powered by a mule, an F20 Farmall Tractor for two row cultivation of cotton and corn.  Later after joining IBM, I recall key punch operators, punch card machines, batch balancing and coding sheets.  My wife recalls manually calculating bank services charges with a 10-key adding machine.  A secretary tried to read my writing so she could type a memo for my boss.

If we project 40 – 50 years from now, what jobs that exist today will vanish?  My  message to job seekers to continue training and upgrading your work skills because in most cases the jobs you can do today probably will not exist in the future.

Please comment in this bIog or email at mailto:glynjordan@gmail.com jobs that you used to hold and what jobs today may not exist in the future.         

Thanks!

Glyn

Early Retirement and Then What?

I was in conversation with a friend last week who was looking forward to his early retirement from a federal government career in criminal justice.   He was excited and yet anxious about what to do next.

My advice to job seekers is always to go with one’s strengths and experience when considering a new career.  Frequently, retirees consider opening their own business. 
There are many opportunities for starting a new business including franchises, purchase of an existing business or simply to open a start-up company.

Here are my thoughts for these early retirees:

1. Develop a network of business contacts who know you, your experience, and your capabilities.

2. Attend seminars about career transition and starting a small business.

3. Seek advice from successful individuals you respect.

4. Attend professional organizations particularly in the areas of your experience.

5. Conduct a detailed audit of your financial resources to determine how much risk you can invest in a new venture, and how long you can continue in retirement without supplementing your retirement income.

6. Actively seek post-retirement employment to determine what alternatives are available.

7. Consider working as a consultant in the industry with your most experience.

8. Finally, conduct a self examination to determine how much financial risk you are willing to take.

Hopefully answers to these questions will provide sufficient guidance to direct your efforts toward income producing activities after your retirement. .      

Please comment in this bIog or email at glynjordan@gmail.com your advice for individuals taking early retirement.         

Thanks!

Glyn