I recently picked up a copy of "Knock 'em Dead: The Ultimate Job Search Guide 2014" by Martin Yate, CPC. The book includes a section dedicated to handling objections, which many job seekers face. I picked a three of the ones I hear most often from my coaching clients:
Objection: "Why don't you send me a resume?"
Response: "Of course, Mr. Grant. Would you give me your exact title and your email address?" Thank you. So that I can be sure that my qualifications fit your needs, what skills are you looking for in this position?"
___________________________________________________
Objection: "You'll have to talk with Human Resources."
Response: "Of course, Mr. grant. Whom should I speak to in HR, and what specific position should I mention?"
Then...
"Good morning, Ms. Johnson. Cary Grant, over in marketing, suggested we should speak to arrange an interview for the open sales associate position."
___________________________________________________
Objection: "I really wanted someone with a degree."
Response: "Mr. Smith, I appreciate your viewpoint. It was necessary that I start earning a living early
in life. If we meet, I am certain you would recognize the value of my additional practical experience."
Try out the above responses if you encounter any of these objections.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Target your job search & get results!
Are you in a job search? What jobs are you targeting? If you say any of the following, you need to gain more clarity:
1) I'm open. I'll take anything.
2) I don't care what industry I work in.
3) I don't want to limit myself.
A lot of job seekers worry when asked, "What positions and industries are you targeting? They're afraid that if they are too specific they will limit their opportunities. Actually, the opposite happens. The more specific as far as positions/functions and industries you're targeting, the easier your job search. It's easier to focus on a few things than everything. It's easier for others to help you when you are clear in what you are targeting.
Think about it this way. Let's say someone comes up to you and says, "I'm targeting an HR Generalist position in the manufacturing industry and some specific companies I'm interested in are....." Sounds pretty focused, right? Let's say someone else comes up and says, "I'm looking for a job- any job." WOW! That's pretty big. It's hard for others to wrap their brain around that one. With the first example, you make it easy for others to scan their brain and possibly come up with someone they know that works in HR or works in manufacturing, or even works at some of your target companies. They can then introduce you to those contacts. The second example is just too open, too big.
1) I'm open. I'll take anything.
2) I don't care what industry I work in.
3) I don't want to limit myself.
A lot of job seekers worry when asked, "What positions and industries are you targeting? They're afraid that if they are too specific they will limit their opportunities. Actually, the opposite happens. The more specific as far as positions/functions and industries you're targeting, the easier your job search. It's easier to focus on a few things than everything. It's easier for others to help you when you are clear in what you are targeting.
Think about it this way. Let's say someone comes up to you and says, "I'm targeting an HR Generalist position in the manufacturing industry and some specific companies I'm interested in are....." Sounds pretty focused, right? Let's say someone else comes up and says, "I'm looking for a job- any job." WOW! That's pretty big. It's hard for others to wrap their brain around that one. With the first example, you make it easy for others to scan their brain and possibly come up with someone they know that works in HR or works in manufacturing, or even works at some of your target companies. They can then introduce you to those contacts. The second example is just too open, too big.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Are You an Olympian in Your Career?
I always look forward to watching the Olympics and this year is no exception. I admire the passion and dedication the athletes have for their particular sport [career]. Are you passionate and dedicated about your career? If not, what steps can you take to become a career conqueror? The following will help you assess how effectively you are managing your career and what areas could use some work. Rate yourself in each area on a scale from 1 to 10 with 10 being high. Add up your score and see where you at in the scoring key below.
©Career Coach Academy ▪.Pathways Career Success
Strategies, LLC
Scoring Key:
If you scored....
90 - 100 - Your career is in great shape. And, if you needed to, you'd likely be able to find a new job within the next 60 days.
80 - 90 - You're well on your way to successfully managing your career - congratulations on your diligence to date.
70 - 80 - You've probably got a lot of things in place that you can build on.
70 or below - You'd be amazed in the turnaround you can make even in the next 2-3 months by setting goals and creating action steps in the key areas that need work.
So,...what steps are you willing to take to become a career conqueror?
10 Keys to Becoming a Career Conqueror
Item
|
Rating
(1-10 Scale) |
1. Vision:
(I have a system or conceptual framework that allows me to look forward and be open and available to intersect who I am with new opportunities. I know how I want to contribute to my corner of the world as a result of my work. I have sketched out goals that align with the current vision for my life. I regularly review this vision, modify it as new opportunities become apparent, and make choices to act in a manner that moves me forward in my work and life.) |
|
2. Brand:
(I am
in tune with who I am and actively enlarging my perception of who I am
becoming. My self-worth is not solely linked to my work but is rooted in
living in harmony with my values and priorities. I am passionate about and
well-known for a set of strengths, talents, and knowledge that are in market
demand. There are role models in my work-life whom I admire, and, as
appropriate, I emulate their attributes and actions that will be important to
my ongoing success.)
|
|
3. Networked:
(I have a healthy Rolodex/contact list and have a
high level of trust with these people. I am on the radar screen of, and make
meaningful contributions to, people who could be influential to my career. I
attend association conferences and other events that will expand and
reinforce my network.)
|
|
4. ROI:
(I understand employer's needs for a return on investment [ROI] and act in a manner that contributes to that ROI. I track performance metrics and know the ROI I offer employers.) |
|
5. Lifelong
Learning:
(I am continually adding new skills, knowledge, certifications, or degrees that enable me to contribute greater value to my employer, as well as keep me motivated and engaged. I stretch myself by asking for or accepting new projects that will increase my experience and value.) |
|
6. Emotional
Intelligence:
(I communicate and relate exceptionally with supervisors, peers, employees, customers. I know the key players in my organization/industry and am considered a team player. I am aware of my "emotional intelligence" as it relates to perceiving, understanding, and managing emotions. I have a reputation as someone who is stable and doesn't need to be treated with "kid gloves.") |
|
7. Self-Accountable:
(I am personally in charge of inspiring myself, making change happen, staying positive, and taking action. No one/nothing keeps me from success, other than my own self-imposed beliefs, which I am committed to examining regularly and breaking through to reach higher heights!) |
|
8. Self-Initiated
Training:
(I have created and am pursuing my own personal/professional development plan.) |
|
9. Time Management:
(I manage time and energy well. My time and thoughts are not consumed by activities that do not support my goals.) |
|
10. Support:
(I surround myself with supportive people—coach, mentors, peers, friends—and carefully limit my contact with “energy-draining” people.) |
|
Scoring Key:
If you scored....
90 - 100 - Your career is in great shape. And, if you needed to, you'd likely be able to find a new job within the next 60 days.
80 - 90 - You're well on your way to successfully managing your career - congratulations on your diligence to date.
70 - 80 - You've probably got a lot of things in place that you can build on.
70 or below - You'd be amazed in the turnaround you can make even in the next 2-3 months by setting goals and creating action steps in the key areas that need work.
So,...what steps are you willing to take to become a career conqueror?
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