So, I was sweating, panting and grunting my way through an indoor cycling class the other day…
When, amidst the sea of exertion, our teacher, Christine Dercole, who’s pretty damn close to a walking, talking conduit of inspiration (and provider of great tribal beats), says to the class:
I want you to ask yourselves a question. When you hear me say there are only 5 seconds left in a climb, or a sprint, or a ride…do you let up and coast from 5 down to 0…or do you dig in and hammer home? Because, the difference isn’t just 5 seconds…it’s life immortal.
Well, actually, I may have added that last part, but she said something like it.
Point being, in nearly every element of life, the ability to push hard through the final 1% of an already limit-shredding experience doesn’t give you a 1% advantage…it delivers you into the realm of greatness, of transcendence. Of revelation.
The final 1% is where winners are born. Where magic unfolds…
Because you’re there, refusing to give up when everyone else is throwing in the towel and saying, “screw it, I’m done.” You’re rising up and taking full ownership of the outcome of your efforts. And, that’s something astonishingly rare in a time defined increasingly by the quest for “good enough.”
It’s just so much easier to relent, to coast, to say you don’t really care…to blame.
And, I’m not even talking about the physical manifestation of your efforts during the final push. Your body may or not rise to the challenge of your will. The weather may turn, your friends may fall away, circumstances may disappoint. Those are things you work to corral and empower, but truth is, they’re not always within your control.
What I’m talking about is what happens within that mass of matter, electricity and spirit between your ears, that thumping source of life that beats within your chest. Your ability to sustain them at concert pitch to the absolute end of the road, all to often, defines the difference between “life immortal” and a life of envy.
So, the question is…
What do YOU do in the final 1%?
The Final 1%: Where Dreams Are Vanquished Or Vanished
Entry Level Job Search - Launch Your Career
Reposted from CareerAlley
"
It's lonely out in space On such a timeless flight" Elton John, Bernie TaupinYes, it is lonely out there in job search space and it can sometimes feel like a timeless flight. But if you are looking for an entry level job, you are in luck because there are so many choices and opportunities when you are first starting out. Do you know exactly what you want to do? Have you looked at and thought about all of the career choices that are open to you? If you are in college, have you visited your college career office? These are the types of things you should be exploring.
One key thing to remember is that you don't always get the perfect job. You may have to settle for something different than what you had planned. You should focus on the companies that you want to work for and that fit your career plan. "Career plan?" you say. Yes, you should be planning your career now much as you would plan a trip because if you don't know where you are going you are never going to get there.
Career Planning:
- What is Career Planning? - The best place to start is to understand the concept. This article, from About.com, provides an explanation and then a four step process for developing your career plan. This is key to creating the right plan for you. The article has embedded links to additional information (such as writing your resume and developing the steps). If you are looking for an entry level job or are about to graduate from college, this article is a must read.
Job and Career Ideas:
- Career Planning Resources - This site (the left hand side of the screen) is like the "mother lode" when it comes to career planning. There are an amazing number of links to key tools such as Skill Assessments, Career Counseling, Explore specific careers, Career tools and so much more. As you build out your career plan, use this list of links to get specific information to help you build your plan.
- Unusual Jobs for College Students - One way to help you figure out what you want to do is to work while you are in college (crazy idea, right?). This article, from About.com, provides a number of ideas. From Sports jobs to the aspiring actor there are several ideas you can explore. There are additional links at the bottom of the article such as where you can find your college job.
- Job Search Ideas for College Students - This list of ideas, from suite101.com, provides some ideas for you in your search. Really the basics (but still worth a read), the article covers such things as your resume, checking the local papers, placing your resume online and dressing for the interview. The article has additional links with related information.
Job Leads and Links:
- Career Ideas For Different Personality Types - Sometimes matching your personality to the job is as important as the job itself. This article, from Teamtechnology, provides ideas regarding the tools you could use to help get the best match. These include items like the Job Demands Questionnaire. A good article to help determine which jobs work for you.
- Aftercollege - This job search site is designed for college grads and entry level jobs. The top of the page has links for schools (by state), Jobs and Resources. You can join networks from your school, search for exclusive jobs, search based on employers or city, state and zip. There is a section for featured jobs center page and "browse for popular jobs" links on the right hand side of the page. According the the website, there are over 200,000 job opportunities.
Good luck in your search.
- Campus Career Center - Entry Level Jobs - This job search board by campuscareercenter.com is also designed for recent grads and students as well. There are links at the top of the site for Post Resume and Job Seekers. You can quickly search jobs from the right hand search box or look at the links to featured employers center page. Below this there is a blog. The right hand side of the page a job seekers section with links to search jobs, research employers and search categories. There were over 88,000 job opportunities when I checked the site.
Visit my site www.CareerAlley.com
Visit me on Facebook
Career Rocketeer: Interviews: Who Should Ask the Questions?
Many job seekers have asked me whether Facebook can be used in the job search process. Well the answer is definitely, “Yes, it can.” While I would generally suggest that a job seeker spend his or her time seeking opportunities on other networks simply due to the more social nature of Facebook, there are definitely ways that you can use Facebook in your job search.
Here are just some to consider as you go forth and pursue new career opportunities:
Help your network help you. Keep your profile updated with your current activities and contact info. Make sure to link out to your LinkedIn profile, VisualCV, Twitter account, blog and/or other online brand-building efforts so that your network can easily access them. You can even sync your blog feed with Facebook Notes and/or sync your tweets with your Facebook status. Also, let your network of friends and family know that you are seeking new opportunities through your status updates. Not only do they know you best and can speak to your strengths, skills and/or personal brand, your friends and family should also be those most interested in helping you. So, take advantage of this valuable network while you can! - Chris Perry, CareerRocketeer.com
Contract yourself out to a friend. Read through your friends' status updates as they often tell you what they are working on. If something is up your alley say, "I see you are having some issues with quickbooks," I'm an accounting professional with a little bit of time on my hands, is there something I can help you with. Best case, you get a nice short project and they love you for it and write a recommendation. Who knows, they might even pay you. Worst case, you just reminded someone that you're in the market looking for a job and what your skill sets are. - Diane K. Danielson, DowntownWomensClub.comRemember the writing on the wall. The candidate can also let family, friends, previous colleagues—even previous managers with whom they have a good relationship—know that they are gearing their Facebook profile towards potential employers, and invite comments on their profile (such as on the "wall") that address the candidate's aptitude, can-do attitude, volunteerism and even just their good nature. "We really miss you around the office, you were always so positive and cheery" or "You were one of my best employees, you can come back and work for me any time" on a Facebook profile is likely to really catch the eye of a hiring manager. A hiring manager who views such images and reads such remarks is quite likely to be positively pre-disposed towards the candidate when reviewing their application and during the hiring process. - Heather Huhman, ComeRecommended.com
Take advantage of Facebook Apps. Aside from the usual tips, such as "don't put embarrassing things on Facebook" or "be wary of friending your future boss," job seekers might want to think about adding some job search apps to their Facebook pages. There are a couple nice ones:
Testimonials (like recommendations on LinkedIn)
EasyCV (which lets you add a nice-looking resume to your profile)You don't want to miss an opportunity to have your professional information out there, and in this economy, there's no shame in announcing to the world that you're looking for work. - Rachel Kaufman MediaBistro.com
No matter how much you use Facebook in your job search, make sure it’s an asset and not a liability. While it may seem obvious, don’t forget to screen your profile and remove and/or untag any unprofessional pictures, videos, wall post or content.
Special thanks to everyone who contributed to this wealth of career search insight!
Author:Chris Perry, MBA is a Gen Y brand and marketing "generator," a career search and personal branding expert and the founder of Career Rocketeer and Launchpad.
Career Rocketeer: Advice from a Recruiter: Don't Find Me, Let Me Find You
Many job seekers have asked me whether Facebook can be used in the job search process. Well the answer is definitely, “Yes, it can.” While I would generally suggest that a job seeker spend his or her time seeking opportunities on other networks simply due to the more social nature of Facebook, there are definitely ways that you can use Facebook in your job search.
Here are just some to consider as you go forth and pursue new career opportunities:
Help your network help you. Keep your profile updated with your current activities and contact info. Make sure to link out to your LinkedIn profile, VisualCV, Twitter account, blog and/or other online brand-building efforts so that your network can easily access them. You can even sync your blog feed with Facebook Notes and/or sync your tweets with your Facebook status. Also, let your network of friends and family know that you are seeking new opportunities through your status updates. Not only do they know you best and can speak to your strengths, skills and/or personal brand, your friends and family should also be those most interested in helping you. So, take advantage of this valuable network while you can! - Chris Perry, CareerRocketeer.com
Contract yourself out to a friend. Read through your friends' status updates as they often tell you what they are working on. If something is up your alley say, "I see you are having some issues with quickbooks," I'm an accounting professional with a little bit of time on my hands, is there something I can help you with. Best case, you get a nice short project and they love you for it and write a recommendation. Who knows, they might even pay you. Worst case, you just reminded someone that you're in the market looking for a job and what your skill sets are. - Diane K. Danielson, DowntownWomensClub.comRemember the writing on the wall. The candidate can also let family, friends, previous colleagues—even previous managers with whom they have a good relationship—know that they are gearing their Facebook profile towards potential employers, and invite comments on their profile (such as on the "wall") that address the candidate's aptitude, can-do attitude, volunteerism and even just their good nature. "We really miss you around the office, you were always so positive and cheery" or "You were one of my best employees, you can come back and work for me any time" on a Facebook profile is likely to really catch the eye of a hiring manager. A hiring manager who views such images and reads such remarks is quite likely to be positively pre-disposed towards the candidate when reviewing their application and during the hiring process. - Heather Huhman, ComeRecommended.com
Take advantage of Facebook Apps. Aside from the usual tips, such as "don't put embarrassing things on Facebook" or "be wary of friending your future boss," job seekers might want to think about adding some job search apps to their Facebook pages. There are a couple nice ones:
Testimonials (like recommendations on LinkedIn)
EasyCV (which lets you add a nice-looking resume to your profile)You don't want to miss an opportunity to have your professional information out there, and in this economy, there's no shame in announcing to the world that you're looking for work. - Rachel Kaufman MediaBistro.com
No matter how much you use Facebook in your job search, make sure it’s an asset and not a liability. While it may seem obvious, don’t forget to screen your profile and remove and/or untag any unprofessional pictures, videos, wall post or content.
Special thanks to everyone who contributed to this wealth of career search insight!
Author:Chris Perry, MBA is a Gen Y brand and marketing "generator," a career search and personal branding expert and the founder of Career Rocketeer and Launchpad.
Guerrilla Googling for Job Hunters
So you read the book and you found the chapter about Guerrilla Googling. Somehow you landed on this page expecting to find "unconventional tips, tricks and tactics." You may be wondering now, "Okay, what's the deal?"Start by grabbing the RSS feed and you'll automatically get updates when we start posting helpful pointers to use in your job search including creating a Job Hunter's Dasboard...coming soon.Next, bookmark the Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters blog and get started with the other 1000 things you should be doing, starting today!
7 Cover Letter Mistakes You Make When Applying Via E-Mail
7 Cover Letter Mistakes You Make When Applying Via E-Mail
Posted on 29. Mar, 2010 posted by Bill in Cover Letters, Employment News
How many times have you replied to a job ad via e-mail by shooting them a copy of your resume and cover letter? I’m going to venture a guess and say at least 20 (but more likely hundreds of times) if you’ve been searching for any significant length of time. Here are some of the most notorious mistakes we’ve seen-and what you can do to greatly improve your chances of being noticed.
Attaching the cover letter to the e-mail.
What’s wrong with that, you ask? Most hiring managers aren’t going to open the cover letter and read it. They’ll go straight to the resume instead. Want to ensure your cover letter gets read? Copy and paste it into the body of the e-mail. Whoever received the e-mail will be much more likely to read it if it’s already right there in front of their face.
Writing your whole life story in the body of the e-mail.
Don’t go overboard with details; keep it short. The hiring manager won’t be willing to invest a lot of time reading your e-mail. Keep it short and to the point.
Providing information that is not relevant to the position.
Here is a great example. When I want to bring an additional resume/cover letter writer on staff, I’m not looking for someone with technical writing expertise, article writing skills, or journalism savvy. Those forms of writing aren’t relevant to what we do here. I want a writer who has extensive expertise and certification in resume writing. If someone goes on and on in their cover letter (or in the body of the e-mail) about all their other writing experience, they will lose my interest. Instead, I want them to tell me about their most relevant experience as it relates to my needs. I want them to tell me about any resume writing experience they have. Give the hiring manager a brief overview of the most relevant experience you have, appropriate to the position they are trying to fill. This will pique their interest-rather than lose it.
Excluding information they’ve specifically asked you to include.
Depending on the position, the employer may ask you to submit a sample of your work, portfolio, hours of availability, or even salary requirements. Whatever it is they’ve asked you to include, make sure you include it in your cover letter. If not, you will most certainly be removed from consideration for failing to follow instructions. Following instructions and acknowledging everything the employer has asked you to address in the job ad not only saves the employer time but makes you look good. I can tell you this from experience because 9 out of 10 applicants will fail to address every stipulation the employer has listed. It happens to us all the time.
Not using a cover letter at all.
We’ve received e-mails from applicants, and the body of the e-mail provides either little or no information whatsoever. Some simply state, “Here is my resume for your review.” You are selling yourself short by not including at least a brief introduction. Especially if the employer outlines specific requirements. Take the time to write, “I see you need someone with availability to work nights and weekends; I would enjoy working these hours and am available to do so.” Or, “I have included a sample of my work for your consideration along with my resume. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.”
Forgetting to tell them why you’re the best fit.
Let me tell you about one of THE BEST cover letters I’ve ever seen: I could tell this person put effort into it-and she took the time to specifically and meticulously review our job requirements. She scrutinized our requirements and detailed in her cover letter how she had experience meeting those needs. It was applicable, relevant, and attention getting. It was probably one of the only cover letters that actually made us want to read the corresponding resume.
Using a boring closing statement.
Instead of using the same old boring line, spice it up a bit. One of the more daring cover letter closings I have read closed with, “Call today, don’t delay.” I applauded her boldness and had to call her. The closing was confident, feisty, and it certainly grabbed my attention. Not to mention the entire cover letter addressed everything she brought to the table as a potential employee and how these elements were relevant to meeting our needs.
What I am trying to get you to see is that boring the hiring manager with details not relevant to the opening-or not making the most of the space and time you’re getting is really to your detriment. Instead, take the time to write something catchy, relevant, and targeted to the position for which you are applying. Sure, it may take a few extra minutes-but in the end, if you get the interview, won’t it be worth it?
By Jessica Holbrook: To receive a free resume analysis send your resume to info@greatresumesfast.com or visit us online at http://www.greatresumesfast.com.
Not Sure About Your Interviewer? Here’s How to Identify and Handle the 5 Common Types of Interviewer
Not Sure About Your Interviewer? Here’s How to Identify and Handle the 5 Common Types of Interviewer
Posted on 30. Mar, 2010 posted by Bill in Employment News, Interviewing
Not everyone interviews with the same format, passion, process and questions. There are some old standards out there that some interviewers follow, while others take their own path, especially the entrepreneurs. There are different types of interviewers and with some forethought you can be prepared to interview successfully, no matter which type you encounter.
Keep in mind that an interviewer’s personality and their style make a difference in the outcome. For example, a hotel front desk clerk learns quickly to read a person’s personality as they approach the desk. This is key to customer service because the clerk quickly adapts in order to meet the needs of that customer. A food server listens carefully to a table of guests to assess the mood and friendliness of each person or the group and know how to provide them with excellent service.
Take caution though: if you misread the personality of the interviewer, you might make some mistakes that could cause you to not move further in the hiring process. Here we share the most common types of interviewers to help you make your own “first impression” style assessment, which can arm you with what you need to position yourself in the interview. These are just some simple rules to follow allowing you to be more comfortable at the onset of the interview.
The Non-Stop Talker
You’ve seen the type – they talk more than they ask questions. This sometimes presents a vulnerable situation whereby the interviewer chats personally and sucks you into feeling comfortable enough to move with the conversation. This might lead you to state some information that you might not want to reveal at this time. Be polite and respond with friendliness as the interviewer will appreciate this quality. So carefully listen to the questions and respond in a professional manner. Wait for those opportunities to ask pertinent questions relative to the position or the company. It shows your interest in what the interviewer has to say and allows them to continue with their chatter.
The Drill Sergeant
Opposite of the chatter is the interviewer who maintains domination over the conversation by firing off a list of questions in a monotone voice. This might be a bit intimidating but their goal might be to do just that – make you nervous. Maintain your eye contact with strong earnest, remain calm and confident, look for ways to return some questions, and provide solid answers without adding chatter. Stick to the pertinent information and be ready for the continued drill.
Following Traditional Rules
This style of interviewing is somewhat predictable as they tend to follow a script or specific list of questions. This interviewer wants to be objective and neutral or isn’t comfortable with the interviewing process. Allow the interviewer to remain in their comfort zone by sticking with the routine. Again, listen for opportunities to ask questions about the position or the company – subject matter that the interviewer is knowledgeable about and willing to discuss.
The Newbie (the inexperienced)
Everyone has to start somewhere and encountering an ill-prepared or inexperienced interviewer can be a bit tricky. They may be new to the company or new to the hiring process but you don’t want to “take over” the conversation and leave them uncomfortable. Stay on course with the planned points and try not to ask questions that you already know they won’t have answers for. However it is your interview and if they are unable to provide enough information for your own comfort level, then perhaps ask if there is another person with whom you could schedule a discussion.
The Inappropriate Interviewer
Fortunately not too often, there are the interviewers who inappropriately ask questions. If you encounter someone who steps out of bounds, making you uncomfortable, try to redirect the discussion back to a professional path. This shows the interviewer that you prefer to maintain the discussion around job or company-related subject matter. If their line of questioning persists, it’s best to thank them for their time and conclude the discussion.
Then there is the one you don’t expect
Almost all interviewers fit into one of the five categories already discussed here but there may be an occasion where someone fits outside these five types. It’s unlikely, however if this happens you might want to try patterning some of their own behaviors and speech. Some hiring managers like people who remind them of themselves. In other words, adapt to their style.
Marc Berlin – The “Job Interviewing Coach” http://www.jobinterviewingcoach.com Marc relates to each client personally with passion and expertise cultivated through a rich background of knowledge and hands-on experience. His skills are formed from 22 years in career coaching, sales training development, executive sales management and over 3,000 interviews he personally planned and conducted. Studying under the top career and job coaches in the business, Marc is certified in powerful, interrelated fields toward guiding you in how to succeed in job interviewing:
-Certified Dale Carnegie Course Trainer
-Certified Interview Coach
-Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP)
-PSS Certified Master Trainer
-BS/BA Management Communications
-Certified Sales Trainer from BTU In choosing a job interview coach, you need to select someone who has similar degrees of experience you have. Your coach should be someone with real life experience over many years in positions demanding excellent people-and-communication skills. Marc has held sales vice president positions at several Fortune 1000 companies.
As a job interview coach, Marc intimately knows the process of personal discussion that goes into preparing for and performing exceptionally well in interviews. It is an art to him-the nature of interview questions and the optimum answers to articulate in the time available. Marc approaches this art with verbal skills and with a background in writing and teaching on the hiring communication process. Marc authored three training manuals covering interviewing, hiring and sales training for Fortune 1000 companies.
Getting the job offer is the final desired outcome of excellent interview preparedness and performance. In job interview coaching, Marc has worked with hundreds of individuals and reached thousands through his projects. Many past and current clients look to him as a mentor, teacher and advisor in their business and career lives.
