Category Archives: Job Search
Move: Action is More Influential than Technique
In the movie, Band of Brothers, there is an intense battle scene where a Lieutenant is immobilized by indecision just as he begins a dangerous attack on a German stronghold. He is paralyzed by fear, leaving his troops exposed to enemy fire and compromising the mission. Remarkably, another officer rushes into the middle of the fight to replace the incapacitated officer and continue the attack. Realizing that he must communicate with a second squad of soldiers on the other … Continue reading
The Art of Focus
This summer we all had the opportunity to watch the Summer Olympics in London. Every four years I look forward to watching athletes from all around the world test themselves to the limits of their abilities. One of the events I really enjoy is Track and Field. I was mesmerized as I watched Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt shatter world records and make it look like he was just going for a stroll in the park. Because of the way … Continue reading
Value Gets Rewarded
My son once asked me how I persuade people when selling to them. He said he didn’t think he would be able to do that. I told him that when you are selling, you are not doing something to someone. Instead, you attract them to your product by providing them with what they want, when they want it. I have a friend who is an expert fly fisherman. He’s in constant motion, checking the time, looking under rocks to … Continue reading
Job Search Tactics: The Direct Approach
I recommend the following steps for making direct contact with hiring managers: Research desirable companies and find specific hiring managers by using the Internet. Fill in any information gaps by calling the company and asking questions. Make a list of your ten favorites. Learn more about what they do, their profitability and growth, and who makes hiring decisions, etc. Call each contact on your list and take notes of the results. Make at least ten new calls each day. Filter … Continue reading
The Value of Human Connection
Consistently speak with as many people as possible about your job search and career goals. Something magical happens when you get out and talk to people about the changes you desire. New relationships and new ideas will arise that will help you in your search. How does this happen? Conversation can be a powerful learning experience. As ideas and questions are exchanged and processed, participants think of things that they didn’t know or understand before. Speak to people … Continue reading
Trust-Building Keys
As discussed in an earlier post, trust-building is key in the job interview process. No trust with a hiring manager means no job offer. The 6 primary components of trust-building are Awareness, Discovery, Intention, Character, Understanding, and Service – ADICUS. Awareness – Progress starts with awareness. Awareness of your own emotional state, as well as the buyer’s. The first step is to be aware that emotions can derail the trust-building process, and the second step is to be aware … Continue reading
Emotionally Intelligent Job Search
There has been quite a revolution in Psychology over the past 20 years or so with the ideas around Emotional Intelligence. Daniel Goleman is one of the most prominent pioneers on the subject with his bestselling books “Emotional Intelligence” and “Social Intelligence”. The essence of the concept is that we have two biologically and functionally distinct parts of the brain – thinking and feeling. The problem is that the feeling part often takes over the thinking part in such a … Continue reading
