Never Blow A Job Interview Again (And Free Stuff!)

How do you feel when heading into a job interview? Are
you confident and sure they’d be lucky to hire you, or are
you a little nervous and not sure you prepared well enough?

If it’s the latter, and you want to never again blow an
interview, then read this all the way to the end.

How Interviewing Is Like Taking a Motorcycle Driving Test

But first, let’s talk about why interviews are so tough for so
many people. Basically, an interview is a sales conversation.
If you’re not a salesperson, that may not be one of your big
skills or strengths. (Even if you are in sales, it may be a
different kind of sales conversation.)

So, the tricky part is, to land the job you need to be good at
skills that may have nothing to do with the actual job you’re
interviewing for. That’s kind of like having to pass a driving
test using a motorcycle, when all you want is to be able to
drive a car!

Luckily, the skills you need for this interview “test” are within
your abilities. Read on..

How To Ace Any Interview

First, you need to understand that an interview is a sales
conversation. Now, don’t let that scare you – one of the best
definitions I’ve heard for sales is that it’s finding out what
people want and helping them get it. Not so bad, right?

You probably already know what they want, from the
application process. If not, get as clear as possible before the
interview. Then, ask again during the interview, just to be sure.

During the interview, share exactly how they can get what
they’re looking for by hiring you. Give specific examples of how
you’ve produced similar results in the past.

Practice your interview with this focus – remembering that,
with every single question, the interviewer is really asking,
“How do I know you’re any good at what you do, and how do I
know you’d work well in this position, at this company?”

Respond to that subtext, and you’ll do very, very well.

Best,
Elizabeth

Your Worst Fears Confirmed: It IS Who You Know

Your Worst Fears Confirmed: It IS Who You Know

What would you say is the most frustrating aspect of a job
search? Is it making it all the way through the second round
of interviews, and then getting no offers? Or maybe it’s
sending out dozens of resumes, only to get no response...

At this point, you might be thinking, “if only I could be so lucky
– I’m having trouble even finding dozens of jobs to apply for!”

Well, once you’ve figured out what job you want (that’s Step #1),
the next step is to find it. And if you’re having trouble here, you
are almost certainly not making use of who you know.

Step #2: Find The Job You Want (Through Who You Know)

Ok, the good news is that you already do know more people than
you think. And, you can get to know new people really quickly
(probably faster than you thought).

I’m about to share how you can do that, and how you can do it FAST.

Job Leads In Two Minutes Flat

Make a list of the 5 most connected peopleyou know. Find their phone
numbers. (1 minute)

Call each of them, tell them what type ofposition you’re looking for
(again, you have to get Step #1 done first), and ask each of them who
they would recommend you talkwith. (1 minute or less)

Call their referrals. Let them know who gaveyou their number, then ask
the samequestion of them. (at two minutes, you’re talking to a new
connection!)

Think it can't be that easy? It can! Go forth and network your way to
those interviews!


P.S. Learn more easy-to-use strategies to tap into the hidden job market
in the upcoming Stand Out Jobs teleclass starting Nov 11!
Full information is at http://www.freshvisioncoaching.com/StandOutJob.html

P.P.S. This class is limited to 8 people. Keep your eyes peeled for a super
special for the next 3 who sign up!

How To Land Your Next Job (Step 1 of 4)

There are four simple steps to follow when you’re job seeking,
and virtually everyone who gets hired completes all four steps.

Step #1: Figure Out What Job You Want

This may seem like a no brainer, and in the past I’ve actually
omitted this step and just talked about the next three. And
that’s a mistake! Because...

If all you’re looking for is a job (any job!) it’s kind of like calling
for a pizza delivery and telling the person who answers the
phone that size and toppings are irrelevant. How likely do you
think you are to get that pizza?... (Honestly, you’re probably
more likely to have the pizza place hang up on you.)

So, it’s MUCH easier to get something if you’re clear on what it
is. And simple as this concept may be, not everyone uses it in
their job search. So you can Stand Out if you simply get clear on
the job you’re after – job title, physical location, and possibly
industry as well.

Can’t Figure Out What That Is?

Try this simple trick:

Make a list of skills that you could apply in your next job. Go
ahead, make a big list, considering skills you used in your last jobs,
in volunteer work, or in your personal life.

Next, choose your favorite 3 skills from the list. Enter those skills
into Monster.com (in various combinations) and see what job titles
come up the most. For now, you can ignore the job locations.
Choose from among those the job that’s most compelling to you.

Now you know what job you want. Stay tuned for more on how to
find it (that would be step 2).



P.S. More details about how to figure out what job is next for you
(including the simplest strategy ever for narrowing down your top
3 skills) in the upcoming Stand Out Jobs teleclass starting Nov 11!
Full information at:
http://www.freshvisioncoaching.com/StandOutJob.html

How Do You Find The Door (So You Can Stick Your Foot In It)?

Finding a new job in a tough economy can be
really.. tough.

There are still great jobs out there. Are you
having difficulty finding them? Do you send
out heaps of resumes and hear back nothing?

Three Steps To Landing A Great Job

The job search can be boiled down to these
three steps:

1. Find the job opening.
2. Stand out with your application.
3. Wow them in the interview.

Straightforward enough. But what if you’re...

Stuck On Step One?

Have you ever heard of the “Hidden Job Market”?
You know, all the jobs out there that are filled
without a job posting ever going up...

There’s far less competition for “hidden” jobs,
because there are far less people in the running
(which makes Steps 2 and 3 much easier).

If you have tried to find that hidden market, with
little success, try this simple three step process:

1. Make a list of the 5 most connected people
you know.

2. Call each of them, tell them what type of
position you’re looking for, and ask if they
know anyone who may have a need in that
area. If not, ask for the names and numbers
of others they would recommend you talk to.

3. Call their referrals. Let them know who gave
you their number, then ask the same
questions of them.

Here’s The Catch...

It really can be that easy.

The caveat is, you won’t get a job from each and
every interaction. Every job search is different.
No one can tell you how long it will take, but if you
step up to the challenge, get in action, and stay
positive, you will land your next job, perhaps
sooner than you thought!

Get Recognition From Your Work Happy Hour ...In A Good Way!

No, I’m not talking about having a few too many and
getting noticed for making a scene...

Do you sometimes wish you got more recognition for
the great job you’re doing at work? Would you perhaps
like to be top of mind when it comes time for
promotions? Or maybe you’ve just started a new job
and you didn’t really get much acknowledgement for all
the hard work that went into landing that job in the first
place (it’s not a small feat!).

Be As Well Known As Nike
Whether you realize it or not, as an individual you have
a personal brand that people know you by.

Likely that brand works for the position you’re currently
in. But part of getting recognized, and getting people
to be repeat “buyers” of your brand (which is what it
takes to get a promotion), then you also need visibility.

This is the reason why companies like Nike, FedEx,
Starbucks, etc spend millions on advertising.

Luckily for you, you don’t need to be well known to
millions. But it helps to be well regarded among
coworkers, friends, and acquaintances.

Sound like work? Don’t worry...

This is Work You’ll Call Fun!

There are a lot of ways to be visible. The most
rewarding (and fun!) are positive. One easy bet is
through celebration! In addition to a bit of
recognition, celebrating also helps you:

• Be better connected to why you’re doing what
you’re doing
• Gain recognition, both internal and external
• Enjoy what you’re already doing

I encourage my clients to celebrate their progress as
they move toward their goals. It helps them achieve
their goals even faster, and get even more pleasure
from the process.

Super Easy To Start

How do you do it? There are a lot of ways; pick one
that’s meaningful to you. Some ideas:

• Plan parties, lunches, or drinks with coworkers
or friends (you’ll become associated with good
feelings, especially if you’re the one who
organizes)
• Treat yourself with rewards for milestones
(massage, dinner at your favorite restaurant)
• Treat others (buy coffee for your team after
you finish a big project)

In the end, HOW you celebrate doesn’t matter, as
long as it works for you.

So... how are YOU already celebrating? Are you getting
the recognition you want? What else are you going to
do to celebrate more? Drop me an email and let me
know: enofziger@ freshvisioncoaching.com.

CAUTION: Work You “Like” Is More Dangerous Than A Job You Hate

7 Reasons Why Loving Your Work Matters More Than You Ever Realized

Is your job “OK”, “All Right” or “Fine”? You’re probably in a worse position than someone who has a horrible job.

That may sound counterintuitive but, if you have a job you hate... you’re probably ready to find something else. And you almost certainly will find other work; it’s just a matter of when. On the other hand, if you have a job you “like”, at least well enough... you may stay stuck in that job indefinitely... maybe even your entire life.

If you like but don’t love your work, you’ve probably settled for “OK” or “good enough”. And when you settle for “good enough”, you kill your soul. Instead of a vibrant dance with life you’re doing a little shuffle step.

And that’s a tragedy. No matter what you do… it is vitally important. For a number of reasons, when you do anything other than work you love you are shirking your responsibility to yourself... and to life.

At this point, you’re probably thinking, “Sure it’d be great to have work I loved, but why is that so important?”

Here are 7 reasons why loving your work matters so darn much:

1. Sheer amount of time wasted.
Most of us spend more than 40 hours a week working. Even if you work a “standard” 40 hour work week… if you don’t truly enjoy most of that time and believe in the work you’re doing, and you’re doing it just to get through it, then you’re setting yourself up for heartbreak. …You’re destroying your soul.

Most men would feel insulted if it were proposed
to employ them in throwing stones over a wall,
and then throwing them back again,
merely that they might earn their wages.
But many are no more worthily employed now.
-Henry David Thoreau

2. Long term physical effects.
If your job is stressful, you will certainly suffer physically. Research has shown work stress to be more detrimental to health than other stressors (possibly because of the hours spent at work).
And the opposite of stress—work boredom—is likely to lead to at least a mild depression, which affects you in many physical ways including damage to your heart.
Over decades, boredom and lack of challenge will mean a higher chance of dementia.

3. Long term mental/emotional effects.
Even if you don’t fall into a mild depression, if you aren’t enjoying your work, you’ll probably wind up unhappy at work, and unhappy in general.

4. Lowered productivity and financial consequences.
If you’re not enthused about your work, you’re probably less productive. So you don’t get the promotions, bonuses or better opportunities, and your pocketbook suffers too.

5. Consequences for your company.
Your employer is almost certain less profitable with an unenthused, uninspired workforce.

6. Everyone around you gets the message that it’s OK to have OK work.
Your coworkers pick up on your lack of enthusiasm and are less inspired themselves. They, along with your friends and family, hear once again that “I hate my job” is a normal state. Most affected are your significant other and your children or other children around you. Kids learn best by example, and even if you’re sacrificing for your children, they will probably follow in your footsteps instead of do what they love.

7. Life expresses itself through your creativity.
Your work contains an amazing opportunity to apply your creativity, serve the people around you and experience joy in your life!

And the extra bonus reason:

People who love their work love their life. They have an energy about them that’s palatable… everyone around them absorbs that energy and is positively affected. The entire world benefits!

So if you haven’t already done so, I challenge you to commit to love the work you do, or change your work so that you do work you love.

How To Use A Recruiter In Your Job Search

Your Dream Job Matchmaker

How would you like to have someone else job hunting
for you? Would you like to have a matchmaker get you
greater exposure, access the “hidden” job market, and
ultimately set you up with your ideal job?

How about someone who will talk you up to your
prospective employer and assure them that they’ll want
to connect with you? Someone who will give you the
inside scoop on how you compare with other candidates
you’ll be going up against, so you can angle your resume
and prepare for your interview?

If any of that sounded appealing, then you may want to
take advantage of a recruiter’s services.

On the other hand..

Have You Been On A Blind Date Lately?

Using a recruiter can really help you in your job search.
And, it’s not the right approach in all situations, just as a
blind date isn’t always the best option. So, how do you
know when to use a recruiter?

Here are some signs:

• You’re showing up ready to work with a recruiter;
you’re clear on the direction you’d like to go with
your next position (if not, a career coach or
counselor might be a better fit at this point)

• You’re qualified for the positions you’re applying for
(if it’s too much of a stretch, you may actually be
putting yourself out of the running for another
opportunity because the employer might not want
to pay a commission for that)

• You’re looking for work while you’re still employed
(it’s more likely that you’ll be able to maintain
confidentiality)

If those are in place, then a recruiter is a great addition to
your job search. As long as the recruiter(s) you use is are
good!

Is There A Way To Tell You Have A Quality Recruiter?

You will want to make sure you’re working with a good
quality recruiter. Ask for recommendations if possible,
and screen recruiters with questions like these:

• Will you be interviewing me before you submit my
application? (they should be clear on what it is
you’re looking for)

• How many applications do you typically submit for
a given posting? (you don’t want a recruiter who
spam employers with an eye to volume; you want
someone who carefully considers your needs as
well as the needs of the employer)

• Will you ask for permission before submitting my
resume for a different job? (this will allow you to
be sure you’re interested in the position, and that
it’s something that truly meets your long-range
goals)

• How do you plan on representing me to potential
employers? (you want someone who will go
beyond mere resume submission)

You Still Have To Do Some Work Yourself!

What a recruiter can’t do is all the work for you. You still
want to have a great resume, do your homework on
companies and positions, and be looking for work in other
ways as well.

That said, if you’re clear on the position you want, and
have some good qualifications, a recruiter can be a
very key addition to your job search.