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From the Coach
As we close the books on 2003 there are some
good things to be remembered and some things that best be forgotten. If
you lost your job this year - may you get a great one in 2004. If you
found a job this year - may you continue to enjoy the benefits of having
steady employment. |
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No
one knows what lies ahead in 2004 -- but I sincerely hope it is a great
year for all. I keep reading in the newspaper that good times are ahead
and that the bad times are behind us. Let's hope that is true. This should
be an exciting year as it is time once again to exercise our freedoms by
accessing the nation's leadership to elect a president.
Whatever you do in 2004, I wish you good fortune and contentment. May you
set some stretch goals for yourself -- and accomplish them. My goal is to
"get organized." That's always my goal, along with "exercise more and lose
weight."
Best wishes
The Coach
"Start Living Paycheck to Paycheck Again" -- SF Chronicle Classifieds
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From
the Front - The Job Front |
Stormy weather can mean more time to stay inside and read those books you've
been meaning to read.
I have
two books to recommend that will assist you in your networking efforts. Both
books are written by Susan RoAne. The first one is called "How To Work A
Room" -- The ultimate guide to savvy socializing in person or online. And
the other is, "What To Say Next." -- Talking Your Way to Business
Success.
I
recommended these books to a client who just didn't want to network. She was
able to borrow them from the local library (great source of books for those who
are trying to watch excessive spending). After reading these books my client
went to a networking event. This is the email that I received from her.
Dear
Carole:
I just
have to tell you that I attended a Women in Business (WIB) networking mixer last
night. This is the group that is part of the Chamber of Commerce. It was great!
I was totally comfortable schmoozing with everyone. A lot of interesting women.
When I introduced myself and chatted, I asked what they were doing to market
themselves.
After
reading the "Work the Room" book, I think just telling myself that working a
room is the great equalizer--everyone is walking in there knowing virtually no
one, helped me break down the barriers. I'm thinking that a couple of the
contacts that I made may lead to some potential work.
Thanks
for the recommendation
JP
Try these
books and break down the barriers for yourself.
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Question of the Month - "Dear
Interview Coach" |
Q.
I have had three calls in the past two
weeks where I have been interviewed on the phone. So far I have not gotten past the
telephone phase. What can I do to improve on my telephone interviewing skills? Helen
A.
Telephone interviews are the first
screening process used to filter through the qualified and the less-qualified
candidates. With the current job market, telephone screenings are becoming more
common as the first step in the interview process. Being prepared for the phone
to ring is the secret to success.
The phone interview can happen at any
time of the day or night. Some interviewers find evenings the best time to catch
people at home, where they will be able to talk more candidly. Therefore, you
should be on-call and prepared to receive a telephone interview at any time.
Getting through this screening is
critical for advancing to the next step: The face-to-face interview. This puts
added pressure on you to present yourself in a positive, focused manner. If you
attempt to wing this call, you may reach a dead end in the process.
If you organize, you will feel more in
control. Set aside your materials as though you were going to a face-to-face
interview. Have a folder set aside with job postings or ads you have answered,
along with company information. If you have several versions of your resume,
attach the one relevant to the particular job posting. Keep this folder in a
specific place so you can get to it in less than a minute.
Some of the questions to be prepared for:
• Why did you leave (are you leaving)
your last job?
• Tell me more about your last
position, what did you like/ dislike about it?
• Why did you apply for this job?
• What are your salary expectations?
• Are you interviewing with other
companies?
Even though you do not have control over
the phone ringing, you can take steps to feel more prepared. Getting a call
means you have made it through the first cut and the company is interested in
you. By anticipating the call before it comes, you will avoid being caught off
guard. You will be in a stronger position to convince the caller that you are a
candidate for the position and are worth the time and money to move to the next
step in the hiring process
The Interview Coach
Hi Carole
The impossible has happened.....
I just got a job offer from the company
where I thought I had sabotaged myself. More money than I had thought. Needless
to say, I am thrilled.
This certainly deserves at least a little
celebration..... After a year and a half of a constricted lifestyle, I am elated
about this.
Thanks for your help, Carole. I intend to
continue to participate in networking events.
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INTERVIEW FITNESS TRAINING --
A Workout With The Interview Coach -
A workshop in a book to get you focused, prepared and feeling confident.
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COMING SOON – "BOOST YOUR INTERVIEW IQ" --
written by Carole Martin (McGraw-Hill). Available-January 2004.
This book features an interview quiz to test your
ability to give the strongest answers. Included are exercises to assist you in
strengthening your own answers. Retaking the quiz after you do the exercises in
the book will help you boost your "Interview IQ" and give stronger answers in
interviews.
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