Thursday, May 28, 2020

How to Create a World Cup Dream Team Squad Of Recruiters

How to Create a World Cup Dream Team Squad Of Recruiters The World Cup is upon us and I have a confession to make: I probably won’t be watching or tweeting much about it, apart from when England are playing. I am commonly known as a fair weather fan. So if the badge fits.. Roy Hodgson has spent weeks and months putting his dream squad together. He will presumably have looked at the competition in other teams and then assessed which players are available to him and then what their assets are as individuals. He will have then devised a strategy of how he brings together each silo player to ensure the whole is in synergy and can play harmoniously. If the theory works, then hopefully England play to their best abilities and we all celebrate on the 13th July come on Eng-er-land! How can the World Cup help recruiters? This really got me thinking about how strategic directors and owner/managers of boutiques hire and attract people as on-the-spot hires and can visualise incorporating new individuals into their existing teams. What is the best way to suss out whether someone WILL fit in culturally? Someone may have the right experience and/or skills but are they the right PERSON for the TEAM. Occasionally, we meet business owners who actually ask us to hire people who may come in and “rock the boat”. It troubles me as I always see beyond that, to draw the conclusion that, actually, there are people in your current team you must want to lose then. Bringing in a maverick or “cat amongst” will mean you don’t have to manage them out eventually they will resign. Whats the best way to create a dream team? I think the best way to ensure you create a dream team is to follow the process of: First interview: In the first interview, ask the potential employee about their current team their reporting lines; who do they get on with? What issues have they had with anyone and who instigated it? How was it dealt with? Watch the body language for how defensive the person is. Probe until you have dealt with each example to ensure you don’t have a psycho in your midst. Third party: If you are interviewing someone through a third party recruiter or internal recommendation ask them for their viewpoint on how other people have reacted to them. What do you know about them? What is their provenance? Endorsements: Read their LinkedIn endorsements do they have a fair 360 reflection of them (including peers and managers in their current role)? If not, why not? Meet the team: Allow the potential employee a chance to meet the team BEFORE you offer. This gives them the chance to ask questions away from you, as the interviewer, about the reality of the job, the “warts n all” approach. It also allows your existing team to a) feel valued as you are involving them in the hiring process, b) the chance to probe in areas that maybe you didn’t think to and most importantly c) to ensure there is “the click” there between them. Doubts: If there is any doubt from a current team member, iron this issue out before offer. Is it a niggle or have they uncovered something major? Profiling: Utilise psychometric profiling. Interview your current team so you have an infographic/composed list, of what their profiles are like. Are you trying to replicate/clone this or actually do you want a slightly different focus? Obviously this will be dependent on the role too. Dont hire: I advocate that if you are in huge doubt over team fit, please DON’T hire the person. If you have done all of the above and you are unsure, then something is not right and it would be wrong to bring someone in to wing it. Trust your own instinct. So if you are trying to create a Moore, Greaves, Charlton, Ball et all team squad, you need to use some science, design and ultimately your instinct to see how the magic can be there. Conclusion: How successful have you been in building and recruiting into teams? Have you used a different methodology to my suggestion? What horror stories would you like to share? What has worked especially well? Have you ever hired a whole team in one go? I would love to know your thoughts. And I hope, regardless of your nationality, that you enjoy the ceremony of the World Cup, the camaraderie it creates and no doubt the beer you will consume whilst watching it

Sunday, May 24, 2020

Inside Fortune 500 Personal Branding Interview With Sears CMO - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Inside Fortune 500 Personal Branding Interview With Sears CMO - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Like many of today’s professionals, Sears has been through good times and bad. Unlike the Google, Groupon and Facebooks of the world, Sears has weathered the storm for over 150 years. Integrating brand history, today’s consumers and the hottest technology gives the CMO a unique perspective that I wanted to understand better. Meet Bill Kiss. He’s the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Online General Manager of Sears Tools Hardware leading a cornerstone business at the Fortune 100 company with an 8-figure marketing budget. With over 300 brands, including America’s #1 tool brand, Craftsman, this executive knows more than a thing or two about personal branding, product branding and hiring. Bill and I sat down to chat this week â€" after a few reschedules â€" his calendar seemed as tight as Santa Claus’ during December. Foray Into Fortune 500 Kiss’ personal brand evolved from advertising and consulting to the bveand or corporate side when a former boss from Leo Burnett called him with the opportunity to join Sears. He agreed and has been delivering results ever since. How can you do the same? “Demonstrate your ability to make things happen. For example, in this ever-evolving digital world, everyone can say Ive created something on Facebook or I’ve done something with Twitter, but If you can say I did X with results attached, whether that’s engage, sell or serve customers, then you’ve got a good chance.” says Kiss. To get in the door as Sears, Kiss recommends using their job board and then leverage your other resources (e.g. LinkedIn) to connect directly to the hiring manager “Use two sentences on why I can help your team or perhaps share an idea” Kiss notes and “those will be the ones that move through the noise.” Personal and digital branding When asked how essential personal branding is in today’s job search environment, Kiss responded simply, “Its critical to the extent I make it a standard practice in all the interviews I conduct.” He elaborated that you need to know “what I stand for and what you get” and be able to convey that clearly. You can’t rely on your paper anymore either, when it comes to personal branding, digital media is heavily involved and folks need to proactively manage their digital brand. Kiss Googles over 80% of the candidates he interviews and says he’s surprised by the results, or lack thereof, at least 50% of the time. Today’s candidates, and executives, are missing the mark when it comes to managing their digital brand. Big Book of Kissisms Whew. Thank goodness I Googled him! Kiss sees this as a lighthearted extension of his personal brand and a tool that speaks to his style. Furnished as a gift originally, it has been added to over the years and he’s found ways to incorporate it into his leadership to inspire, coach and give people focus. He shared this Kissism “Be Open Kimono” with your people and partners establish clear understanding with people and with goals. What’s his brand stand for? The Bill Kiss brand stands for making good things happen, for the company and their brands. Results move from the bottom to the top success tier and he can extend companies into new categories. Said another way, Bill Kiss “brings good things to life”. 3 Actionable Steps for Your Personal Brand Kiss offered this insight to build your personal brand, focus on RD, be relevant and differentiated. If you don’t have that to say about yourself, how are you going to help a given business to the same. He gives three steps to ignite a personal branding plan: Plot a course and stick to it Rigorously plan and paint the end picture of what you want to have people see about you Make it happen (read: make time) Given the time of year, I’ll toss one closing thought on Kiss’ great tips, avoid making this a New Year’s resolution. Studies show the majority of them are abandoned by the end of February and this goal is worth too much to abandon. Commit to yourself that you will deliver on it in 2012. Author: Adriana Llames is a master career coach and acclaimed author of “Career Sudoku: 9 Ways to Win the Job Search Game”, released with top book seller Amazon.com. She is the chief engagement officer at adrianallames communications and a highly sought after keynote speaker motivating and inspiring audiences with her high energy, focused programs on personal branding, social media and networking. For more information, visit www.adrianallames.com.

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Make Someones Day

Make Someones Day On my morning run yesterday, I passed Chicagos Anti-Cruelty Society. I happened to be wearing my pink baseball hat with a black lab on it (which marked me as either a totally cheesy and tacky lady, or an animal lover). There were two women standing outside in the pouring rain a few hours before the shelter opened so they could be the first in line. I stopped to talk to them to ask what dog they were waiting for. They heard there would be Pomeranian puppies and they were dying to have one.  I told them about my puppy search for a male yellow lab and that I had been checking out the shelter a lot lately. Then I told them Id be right back. For some reason I noticed a few days earlier that I have 5 umbrellas in my front closet. I ran back to my apartment a few blocks away and grabbed each of the nice ladies an umbrella. They were SO thankful and happy about the umbrellas as they still had at least two hours of waiting to go. And in turn, I was happy at starting the week off with a random act of kindness, and perhaps even a little bit of good karma! Try making someones day at least once this week. It could be a client, a friend, or a co-worker. If you are feeling down about work or have a case of the Mondays today, I guarantee that doing something nice and unexpected will boost your mood and outlook. My favorite Law of Attraction expert, Michael Losier, always suggests to monitor the vibe you are sending out because that is what you will get in return. The best way to change your vibration from negative to positive is to do something about it. Michael would say to press the reset button, but sometimes it takes more than a mental shift, and rather a positive ACTION. Give out a dose of happiness today and I bet it will come right back to you fivefold. Happy Monday!

Sunday, May 17, 2020

Utilizing Mindfulness to Tackle the Job Interview Marla Gottschalk

Utilizing Mindfulness to Tackle the Job Interview Marla Gottschalk Photo by Max van den Oetelaar on Unsplash When we lose ourselves in a stressful moment â€" a workplace situation can quickly go from challenging to a potential disaster. Job interviews are a common trigger of a host of powerful emotion-filled responses; anticipation, excitement, fear. If youve ever sat in the interview chair, you are acutely aware of the critical struggle to remain calm and focused. As much as we attempt to stay calm â€" our minds can race out of control â€" not unlike a runaway train. Managing yourself through this stressful dynamic is key. Could the practice of mindfulness help us through an interview? Recent research tells us that yes, it can. Tough workplace scenarios can cause our fight of flight response to kick in â€" and job interviews certainly qualify. Labeled an Amygdala Hijacks, by psychologist Daniel Goleman, these moments are characterized by neurological processes where our rational brain (Neo-cortex) becomes overpowered by our emotional brain. This renders places us in a weakened position to deal with these situations effectively. Mindfulness â€" defined as The psychological state where you focus on the events of the present moment â€" allows us to observe the events of our lives from a safer distance, without necessarily reacting in that moment. One element, is the notion of equanimity, or non-reactivity to the events happening around us. Mindfulness tells us to pay attention and acknowledge both one’s inner experience and the outer world, without reacting. Discussed at length concerning its impact on both our psychological and physical well-being (See here and here), mindfulness can help us remain balanced in many situations that might normally derail us. Interestingly, one recent study links mindfulness to effective workplace behavior. The research reveals that mindfulness may help with roles that require a series of decisions in quick succession, not unlike the multiple decisions/responses we face during a job interview. Managing our automatic responses, (such as becoming nervous or flustered) and re-focusing that energy toward staying composed is key. How might mindfulness help us in a job interview? Above all, you want to accurately represent your skills and experience. Regrets concerning what you may have forgotten to mention, (or did mention and shouldnt have) can prove critical. During an interview we can become overwhelmed and lose our heads so to speak â€" losing focus on the actual goals of the current conversation. (You might find yourself either rushing ahead or reviewing your last answer.) If you are unable to remain fully present, you may miss important conversational cues that will help you present yourself well. We neednt wait for your next interview to develop techniques to become more mindful. Weaving techniques into our every day lives can prove worthy. Try these techniques: Practice the art of micro-meditation. These are 1-3 minute periods of time to stop (perhaps when you feel most distracted) and breathe. While you are waiting for an interview to begin (seems these are always delayed), utilize the following acronym taught at Google: S.B.N.R.R. â€" Stop. Breathe. Notice. Reflect. Respond. Tame the inner voice. Dont let an inner monologue take over. (For many of us it is a panicked conversation.) Be aware of a less than supportive inner dialogue, that might rear it ugly head. Consciously interrupt it and replace it with a more positive message. Refocus on your ultimate goal. Remind yourself of the purpose of the interview: to accurately portray yourself as a contributor. We all have triggers that cause us to lose focus and react with fear or anger. Monitor these (certain topics, etc.) and remind yourself to stay ahead of an emotional response pattern. Breathe. While, we cant halt the interview â€" we can silently tap ourselves on the shoulder to stay focused. When you feel your mind racing, mentally pause and tap. Collect yourself and return to the moment. Bring along a mental list. Enter the interview with 3 or 4 critical points about yourself, that you want to leave with the interviewer. Use a reminder to circle back and inject these points into the conversation (try wearing your watch upside down or a green rubber band on your wrist). How do you stay calm and focused during an interview? Share your strategies. Dr. Marla Gottschalk is an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist. She is a Senior Consultant at Allied Talent. She is also serves as an Influencer at LinkedIn.

Thursday, May 14, 2020

5 Shocking Facts You Never Guessed About Freelancing - CareerMetis.com

5 Shocking Facts You Never Guessed About Freelancing Is freelancing just a stepping stone or a big better thing? Should I have to look into it to see the value in what freelance lifestyle has to offer me?Freelancing is a constant roller coaster and a highly tempting business opportunity that allow you to take full control of your life. In this highly competitive business environment, it is considered to be the best business opportunity with tight budgets.evalA secure internet connection, marketable business skills and a bit of luck can help you to make your future bright. Being your boss is great. Working as a freelancer is a great way to know yourself and to know the hidden set of skills behind you.It offers a unique working lifestyle, provides an ultimate work/life balance, a significant income stream and all freedom, but it’s in no way easier than the regular work.Past, Present, And Future of FreelancingIn past freelancing was considered to be a source to earn extra income other than full-time job. It was considered to be ideal fo r the people who want to earn extra income such as students.It was an ideal income stream for homemakers to utilize their leisure time and to earn some extra bucks.According to the report of US Government Accountability Office Prevailing startups by young entrepreneurs are changing the behavior of the online users. Digital evolution is emerging the trend to be a freelancer. The Internet has made it easier for people to find work in their respective field. Today anyone with an internet connection, PC, and skill set in a particular field can be a freelancer.Before making any prediction about the future of freelancing let’s have a brief overview of some shocking facts about freelancing.In July 2015, Edelman Berland and independent research firm released the results of the survey conducted for up work and freelance union. The findings of this study revealed some very encouraging facts for the aspiring freelancers.1. Freelancer Form A Critical Sector of US Labor Marketeval53.7 million Americans are working as a freelancer, and it makes 34% of the total workforce. Almost one in every three Americans is engaged some freelance activity.evalFreelancing is considered to be a critical sector of the US economy. Approximately 700,000 freelancers in the workforce are working as a freelancer.2. Freelancing By ChoiceAnother interesting fact associated with this exciting career opportunity and income stream is that almost 60% Americans have left their traditional jobs for developing their careers as freelancers. Now they are earning a lot more than regular salary packages.78% respondents were of the view that they started making more than their salary in first of the year of their freelancing career. Half of the interviewees suggest they will not stop their freelancing career for any amount of money.3. Flexibility and Freedom behind FreelancingIncrease in flexibility and liberty are driving forces behind Americans decision to freelance. According to the survey 3 in every fou r non-freelancer Americans are ready to do additional work other than their primary job to earn more money.73% freelancers agree that the technology has made it easier for people to find the freelance work. Two-thirds of the freelancing community being researched suggest freelancing provide the opportunity to work from anywhere.More than one-third indicate freelancing is providing great flexibility to the workers.4. Freelancers Are Significant Political ConstituencyFreelancers are considered to be a significant political constituency. Therefore, elected leaders have to do well to support their interest. 86% of the freelancers voted in 2016 elections.Political leaders who back issues of the freelancers will see it translating directly to votes.5. Freelancers by Earning More Will Continue To Drive Economic GrowthevalFreelancers are earning more and more income and increasing the overall growth of the economy. 60% of the freelancers who left their traditional jobs are now making more t han that. 78% of the respondents suggest they are making more income from freelancing within a year.evalMore than one-third of the freelancers indicate the demand for their services is increasing in the past few years. Half of them expect an increase in their income from freelancing in the coming years.The vast majority of freelancers approximately 83% of the freelancers believe that their brightest days are coming ahead. They have increased opportunities for freelancing, and it seems positive for the whole economy.Future of FreelancingThe prime reason behind the growth of freelancing in developing nations is low pay scale for the regular job. In fact, a large number of people have established their firms after starting off as a freelancer, and now they are hiring local individuals.The outstanding growth of the freelancing in the past and impressive scenario in present is indicating that the future of freelancing is bright.The developing nations are expected to lead due to increase in unemployment and a significant gap in pay scale as compared to other developed countries. A moreover online marketplace that has already turned out to be the greatest platform for freelancers will add some ice to the cake.evalThe Final ThoughtFreelancing is an endless stream of income and a great business opportunity at the same time. It creates a better work-life balance, offers an ability to choose flexible working hours and has unlimited potential for people to develop their skills and career.Careful planning and preparation are critical for launching a successful freelance business.Before making the transition from full-time employees to freelancer, you have to know all the pitfalls of the freelancing as well.The above mentioned some shocking facts have revealed some interesting facts about the freelancing and suggesting that the self-employment, personal and micro businesses, freelancing are thriving in years to come. As it is offering freedom to employees from the chain tha t usually bind full-time employees.The potential for higher income, flexibility, and autonomy are some of the most significant advantages associated with freelancing. It is an out of the box solution. So, a strong freelance economy is coming, and those who are ready will flourish.

Sunday, May 10, 2020

Most Effective Networking for Your Job Search

Most Effective Networking for Your Job Search Most Effective Networking for Your Job Search First, weekly, scour your local Business Journal and go to the “events” tab at the top of the digital version or the events section in the print edition. Second, go to local industry associations’ websites to find their events as well. Another great website for general networking opportunities is Eventbrite.com. Now, the real key is what you DO at the events so here are a few recommendations: Be the first to arrive. Arrive at the beginning so you can meet as many people as possible, including people who work for the event since they are often well connected. Have a single goal statement that you repeat throughout the night. “Nice to meet you. I’m here because I am looking confidentially for an outside sales position in the packaged goods industry. Do you happen to know of someone I should meet with?” Have business cards. Because you don’t want your current company to know you are looking, don’t use your company card. Use personal cards with your contact information name, phone (not your company number), address, e-mail, and LinkedIn URL. Feel free to add a picture so any one you meet will be able to remember you. Take notes of everyone you meet and what was said. Do not try to commit this to memory! To do this, you need your hands free. So, ladies, just a small purse, a pen, and small pad. Men, a pen and small pad, check your coat and briefcase at the door. Be ready to shake hands, exchange business cards, and take notes. Be bold. Walk up to groups of people who are already talking, smile and listen. They will bring you in or jump in when the opportunity arises. No excuse for you introverts out there; you are great networkers. Talk less, listen more. You will be following up with them, so don’t try to jam in a lengthy conversation, don’t dominate, and stop the “I, I, I, me, me, me.” After the event, follow up with an e-mail within 24 hours. Add each name to your contacts and save the notes you made in the “notes” section of the contact form. Be sure to capture the date and name of event where you met; it will come in handy later. Now, stay in touch, ask for follow up meetings, and build long term, 2-way relationships. Anything short of that is “using” them for your job search purposes. Bad form. For confidential job seekers, be sure you learn about the security settings in LinkedIn so all of your “connections” and updates are not broadcast out to your peers. Most importantly, be sure to communicate to your new contacts that you are on a confidential career change journey. They will respect that. Remember, whether you are searching for a job or not, keep your LinkedIn profile current and up to date and continue to add new connections!

Friday, May 8, 2020

Career Corner Job Interviewing Ten Tips for Success, continued - Hallie Crawford

Career Corner Job Interviewing Ten Tips for Success, continued Tip #2: Remember, you’re interviewing them, too.So many people view the job interview as a testâ€"and they’d better pass with flying colors or they’re in trouble. This puts a lot of pressure on you as the interviewee. And yes on some level, you are being tested. You do need to make a good impression and be your best. But remember the “test” is simply to see if you’re a good match for the company. So it works the other way, too. This is your chance to see if theirs is the kind of culture that fits your style. It’s possible that you’ll get there and find out you don’t even want the job! Or, you might figure out that it’s only worth it if they meet you at a certain salary amount. Ask lots of questionsknow what you’re getting into, and then weigh your options carefully. You are interviewing them too, its not a one way street. These Career tips are excerpted from one of my recent career articles published in the National Contract Management Associations Contract Management magazine. You can read the finding a career you love. Hallie,Career Services Related Links:A Sign its Time to Look for a New Job You Become Someone Else at Work