Interview Tips - Pre-Interview Dos and Don'ts

Here are some tips regarding pre-interview behaviour that I have utilised myself. Notice this article refers to pre-interview, but also understand that the interview really starts as soon as you arrive at the designated location.

DOs

Arrive 10-15 mins early - Turning up with several minutes to spare let's you cool down and relax; go to the bathroom; check your hair, teeth and nose, wipe your brow and generally de-stress. By aiming to be there early, it also means you avoid arriving flustered as a result of rushing to be on time. If need be, practice a dry run of commuting to the interview destination at the same time on a previous day.

Eat and be well hydrated - Sure these are two things you should be doing anyway, but many people forget to as a result of preparing or travelling to the interview. Nourishment will aid your concentration during the interrogation, and being hydrated will ensure your mouth isn't dry when answering those difficult questions.

Smile - Nobody likes a sourpuss so ensure you're smiling when you arrive. Smile in the elevator, smile at the receptionist and most certainly smile when greeting your interviewer. Practice your smile at home if you have to and verify that it's sincere - people can spot a fake grin a mile off. As Tyra Banks would say on America's Next Top Model, "You have to smize", that is smile with your eyes too. By the way I don't actually watch ANTM, but overheard it when switching channels the other day.

Firm handshake - Sometimes the best first impression you can make is with a firm handshake. I've interviewed hundreds of graduates and it never ceases to amaze me how many falter on this aspect. Whenever meeting anyone that doesn't shake my hand firmly, it immediately puts me off and presents the other person as weak and lacking confidence - definitely not the impression you want to make with an interviewer. There's further handshake etiquette you should be mindful of by running a search on the internet.

Initiate small talk - You know that period when your interviewer is leading you to the interview room? Well that's not meant to be awkwardly silent. In fact it's the perfect opportunity to make small talk and break the ice. If you're not an adroit conversationalist then ask/make some preconceived questions/comments. Examples I have used before:

* "Great views from this office, I don't know how you get any work done?"

* "Some great artwork in this building; I especially liked the mural in the lobby"

Such remarks will often spark a hearty conversation and demonstrate you're an affable human being.

Be well-dressed -

Martin Frohm: What would you say if a man walked in here with no shirt, and I hired him? What would you say?

Christopher Gardner: He must have had on some really nice pants.

I love the above dialogue from one of my favourite movies, The Pursuit of Happyness. I definitely don't recommend executing it though, unless you have a spectacular story to match. So for the rest of us that aren't Will Smith, make sure you dress appropriately for your particular industry. Law graduates can assume business formal when interviewing at a firm whereas science graduates might be required to wear less formal attire. Either way, ask the interviewer beforehand if you're unsure.

Find out name of receptionist - I especially like this one. I used this tactic before successfully when interviewing at a multinational firm some years back. When arriving at the designated offices of the company I greeted the receptionist and found out her name was Jenny. I also engaged her in some cheerful banter (but not too much as she was busy answering calls and welcoming people). Then as the interviewer lead me away to the location of the interview, I give her a wave and said "Thanks Jenny". It brought a smile to her face and I could tell by the expression of the interviewer, he was highly impressed. Also note that receptionists are asked to observe you as you wait and then report their feedback about your body language to managers.

DON'Ts

Don't use your phone - Do not talk, text, play games or listen to music on your phone while waiting at reception for your interviewer to arrive - even if you installed the coolest iPhone app. This is an increasing problem among youth today as technology becomes more mobile and they become more technology savvy. Turn off your phone completely! Silent will not suffice. It's just as disconcerting for yourself and the interviewer if they hear the sound of vibrations in your jacket pocket during the interview. Any calls received during this time can go straight to voicemail.

Don't smoke - This is something I advocate at all times, but if you happen to be partial to a puff of the cigarette then don't do it before the interview. Personal space can sometimes be compromised in small interview rooms and the last thing an employer wants to smell on you is a waft of foul tobacco induced odour. It's such an obvious smell especially on chronic smokers so save your cancer stick for post interview. It could also indicate to your future employer that you'll be less productive at work as you take frequent breaks to support your ailing habit.

Don't overdo the perfume - Some cologne or perfume is recommended for both males and females, however it shouldn't be overpowering. When the fragrance is excessive it can be quite nauseating for people around you.

Don't bring too many bags - Avoid carrying a lot (gym bag, laptop, luggage) to the interview as it proves to be very cumbersome. Try and schedule appointments such as the gym or guitar lessons well after the interview to leave you enough time to go home first. Steer clear of shopping beforehand and save the stocktake sales for after.

Don't drink coffee - Coffee smells really nice in a cup but revolting on someone's breath. As per smoking, save your caffeine addiction for after the interview.

Don't interview if you aren't well - In such instances avoid the interview and call up the potential employer with your sincerest regrets. Ask them if it's possible to reschedule and affirm your enthusiasm for the position. In most cases this won't be a problem, even if the interview is conducted in a group setting. Just be genuine and your future hiring manager will be sympathetic to your situation; if not, then it's probably not somewhere you want to work anyway.

Well I hope these tips will help you ace the pre-interview stage.

Copyright 2010 Andrew C Abraham

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Power Performance - Tips For a Job Interview

Are you looking for some great tips for a job interview? Many people feel nervous and unprepared going into these situations, often because it is such an unfamiliar experience. After all, most people do not spend much of their lives meeting with strangers and selling themselves on their background and value. When you have finished this article you will realize that these great tips will help you ace your next job interview by learning to treat the interviewer as a fellow human being, portray yourself as a consultant, and maintain the balance of confidence and power you need to perform your best.

Your Interviewer is a Person

When people research the best tips for a job interview, they often focus so much on the research process and practicing their stories and examples that they forget the hiring manager is just a person like themselves. Managers and human resources folks get up and put their pants on one leg at a time in the morning, just like you. Don't get so caught up in rehearsed and scripted behavior that you forget to make it a friendly and warm dialogue between two people. You want them to feel comfortable with you and get a feeling for what you would be like to work with day to day.

You Are a Consultant

Try to approach the interview as if you are an expert consultant and the interviewer is a client who as asked for your help. During the interview you want to be identifying problems and challenges facing the organization. Craft your responses to showcase examples from your background that show how much value you will add to the position if you are hired.

Maintain the Balance of Power

Unfortunately, many people walk into a job interview feeling nervous and disadvantaged. The best job interview tip I can give you is this: don't walk in to the interview with your hat in your hand like a beggar. Even if you are desperate for work, you need to portray yourself as a valuable asset and a talented professional that the company would be crazy not to hire. Don't be arrogant or cocky, but make sure you express confidence in your attitude and demeanor. Your future boss needs to know right away that you are the perfect choice for this job.

These tips for a job interview can really make the difference between getting the job and losing it to your competition. Always remember, the interviewer is just a person like you! If you can portray yourself as a confident and valuable consultant rather than someone desperately hoping for any job that will have them, you will find yourself in the driver's seat when it comes to negotiating the final terms and salary of your new job.

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Top Ten Tips For Your Job Interview

Job Interviews are daunting, mainly because there is so much riding on them and yet you have so little time to make the right impression. Being prepared and being in the right 'head space' are key to making them successful.

Here are some tips to help you through the process.

1. Know Your Audience

Interviews are not a one size fits all kind of affair. As with all aspects of going for an interview, you need to prepare. This includes not just knowing about the company, but also about your particular interviewer. Having some information about them will really help to put you at ease as well as help you to prepare your approach.

2.Forget about the fact that you really want them to hire you

This may sound odd, but often in life we are so focused on other people liking us, we forget to consider whether we even like them. Before you even get to the interview stage, really consider whether you want to work for this particular company.

There is no point in going to all the trouble of changing your career, only to find yourself working somewhere that doesn't fulfill you. Again.

3. Now Consider Why You Want to Work There

So, you've decided that this is definitely somewhere you want to work. Now you need to clarify why. You will definitely be asked, so be sure to have a coherent, intelligent answer. Base your reasons around how you can contribute to the company, and why you want to contribute to this particular company.

4. Be Confident, but not Overly So

It's important to appear confident, but no one likes a know-it-all, or a display of arrogance. Know what you are talking about, but ask questions too. Be careful about how you sit as well - it has been known to put interviewers right off to have someone sitting far too casually in front of them.

5. Be Polite to Everyone

Don't make the mistake of thinking your don't need to be polite to anyone except the person interviewing you. It is common practice for an interviewer to ask the receptionist or secretary for their opinion, as the will have seen you somewhat 'off guard'.

6. Build Rapport

Of course your qualifications, experience and suitability to the role are going to be taken into account, but if it comes down to you and someone else with a very similar credentials, you can bet it will come down to who they liked the most. So, be sure to work on building a good rapport during the interview. There are many techniques you can employ to do this - for instance, matching and mirroring the interviewer's posture, language and tone.

7. Don't use Abbreviations without Explaining them

This is just really annoying and can put someone off you straight away. If you use an abbreviation, explain straight afterwards what it means. If they already know, they will tell you, and if they don't they will appreciate your clarification.

8. Don't ask about Holidays and Sick Days

If all you focus on is when can you get out of work...well, it just doesn't give the right impression, does it?

9. Don't Complain about Previous Employers

No one likes to listen to someone complaining, and it certainly doesn't bode well in an interview. If you are willing to complain about your old job in a formal setting, you will probably do the same about your new job - that is how the interviewer will see it.

10. Dress Well

It's an obvious one, but really think it through. You need to be smart and clean, of course, and also don't show too much flesh. As well as that, don't forget about the conditions you are going to be in. If you're likely to get hot and sweaty, consider this in your choice of clothes and fabrics. Sweatiness will make you look unappealling as well as overly nervous.

Bebhinn O'Loingsigh is a Life Coach at Hightail Coaching Solutions. She works with professionals who feel unfulfilled, stuck in a rut, or burnt out and want to make some big life changes.

Whether you want to take a career break to get a fresh perspective, change your career, start your own business or completely overhaul your life, Bebhinn can coach you through the process and out the other side.

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Quick Internet Tips to Help Find a Job

When a job seeker says "I don't have Internet access," or "I'm not Internet savvy," it cannot be an excuse in this competitive environment the job market has become. Here are some quick thoughts:

- Sorry, but faxing doesn't cut it anymore.

- Get email account for FREE at Yahoo, Hotmail or Google.

- Go to a friend's house with Internet or to your local library because THEY HAVE INTERNET!

- Enroll in a free or sometimes VERY cheap, local "Learn How to Use Internet" classes at Library or community colleges, high schools, etc. - sign up for a $25/class to learn basics of internet terms, navigation, etc. Even Microsoft Word to develop your resume and cover letter.

- Post your resume onto general and niche specific job boards as well as company portals. Almost all companies post their job openings on their website...so go to a company website, find the CAREERS section and enter that career section (called a portal)...sometimes you can even setup an account before applying to a job, post your resume onto that company career account and setup keyword alerts....thus, if you're a mechanical engineer and they post a job a month later for an mechanical engineer, the company will let you know via this alert to your email, which will allow for you to apply as soon as it's posted...this can allow for you to be on top of the application list too for recruiters, because sometimes recruiters at companies will only look at the top 100 applicants as opposed to all 1000 candidates who applied (and being one of the 1st to apply, can make you higher on that list, thus in the top 100).

- Setup Google news and Yahoo news alerts for the word "'relocating' or 'relocation' and the job seeker's city or near-city's name" to find companies who are relocating to the job seeker's area; "expansion" and "growth" to identify growth companies and emerging opportunities for you to seek out hiring decision makers and recruiters at those companies.

- Review leading online and published newspapers like Forbes and Wall St. Journal to keep up on those growth industries (as well as your local paper).

- DON'T BE INTIMIDATED OR ASHAMED! YOU WANT/NEED TO LEARN! YOU ARE BETTERING YOURSELF! THIS IS THE RIGHT STEP FORWARD! IF YOU AREN'T DOING IT, YOUR COMPETITION IS!

- Finally (non-Internet related), try to place yourself into growth industries (biotech, nutrition, energy & renewable energies, photonics, and IT) that you can fit into in respect to your transferable skills as opposed to dying industries (textile, printing, apparel manufacturing & general manufacturing such as steel, and airlines).

Matthew Warzel

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The High Cost of Being a Workaholic

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


In a nation of overachievers, hard work is a virtue. If you work hard, you'll achieve your goals. If you work even harder, you'll achieve even more. Right?

Perhaps not. There are, in fact, several downsides to working too hard. Being the office workaholic can cost you coveted promotions, hurt your home life, and even turn friends into enemies. Evaluate yourself with the following five questions.

1. Are you busy ... or disorganized?

Are you constantly staying late and coming in early yet producing the same output as others? If so, your boss may come to view you as inefficient and possibly disorganized. Dave Cheng, an executive coach with Athena Coaching, says, "There are some people, type A's, who get a lot of satisfaction from doing lots of work, but the quality isn't necessarily superior."

Focus on getting your work done in a reasonable time frame. If you have perfectionism or time-management issues, ask your supervisor to help you prioritize things and learn when to let go of a task. Cheng says, "Just because you're working longer doesn't mean you're working better."

2. Are you delegating ... or hoarding?

If you have any aspirations at all to move into management, you must learn to delegate work. Again, tasks need to be completed in a timely fashion; if you're having trouble finishing a project, you must delegate to other team members, even if you happen to relish the task you're giving away.

Cheng, who has more than 12 years of experience in corporate human resources, reveals, "Some workers feel like if they do everything and they're the only one who knows how to do it, they're making themselves irreplaceable. However, sharing information and teaching others around you is a valued skill as far as management is concerned."

Focus on completion and quality and be generous enough to let a colleague learn and shine. If you lack sufficient support, ask your boss about expanding your group.

3. Are you hungry ... or is your plate full?

Once you've solidified your reputation as the office workaholic, you may find that when your dream project comes through the door, you aren't asked to work on it. Why? Your boss probably thinks you don't have the bandwidth to take on anything else. Always keep a bit of room in your schedule to sink your teeth into new challenges and opportunities.

Cheng reminds professionals, "Your ability to say no to certain things gives you the freedom to say yes to others."

4. Do you have friends ... or 'frenemies'?

Your workaholic ways are likely alienating once-valued associates. Above and beyond the obvious grumblings of, "You're making the rest of us look bad," your colleagues may dread collaborating on a project with you.

Lose the overly methodical approach, don't expect folks to come in early or stay late for meetings, and focus on process and outcome.

5. Do you work to live ... or live to work?

The best workers are well-rounded professionals with full lives, in and out of the office. Each year, new studies abound about the importance of vacations, hobbies, and enjoying your leisure time. But are you listening?

Your friends and family will be in your life a lot longer than you'll hold most jobs. Also, pursuing leisure activities you're passionate about can lead to a second career.

Cheng concludes, "Work-life balance is a choice. If you reflexively say yes to taking on extra work, you may live to regret it."

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Advancing Your Career with Social Network Sites

Should Your Boss Be a Facebook Friend?
by Robert DiGiacomo, for Yahoo! HotJobs


The invites to join Linked In, Facebook, MySpace, Ryze.com and other social networking sites are flooding your inbox from friends, colleagues, ex-coworkers, college classmates, and even your boss. Do you accept them all or weed some out? And how can you build upon these relationships to advance your career?

Like much of our virtual existence, the rules for online networking follow those of the real world: Follow-up is key, flattery works, and don't put something in writing if it could hurt your prospects.

Networking Made Easier

Adding online contacts is just the first step of networking -- you must also keep in touch with them, says Alexandra Levit, a career consultant, blogger, and author of "They Don't Teach Corporate in College."

"Mind your networks, and make sure you're using them to keep track of people," Levit says. "One of the biggest mistakes is to make a valuable contact and let it drop."

Maintain Distinct Identities

If you would rather your boss not find out the details of your Cinco de Mayo fiesta, separate your virtual personal life from work, via dedicated social networking pages, according to Anastasia Goodstein, founder of the YPulse.com blog and author of "Totally Wired: What Teens and Tweens Are Really Doing Online."

"Tell your boss you're setting up a page for professional contacts -- here's the link and 'friend' me there," Goodstein says. "Find a way to do it graciously, but keep it separate from your personal page."

Invitations and Recommendations

Rather than rejecting an unwanted "friend," accept the invite, but limit your interactions. "Just accepting them as a contact isn't going to do you any harm," Levit says. "Where I would draw the line is writing any kind of recommendation or endorsement of that person."

Use social networks to garner recommendations, and strengthen ties to business associates and colleagues by posting referrals for them.

"Nothing will endear you to the person more than telling them what you think of them and doing something nice," Levit says.

Keep It Confidential

Check your company's privacy policy before conducting certain kinds of business on a social network. Many companies are using search engines to monitor blogs, so watch what you say and where you say it.

"If you're talking about your top-secret product with a coworker on Facebook, I'm sure the IT department won't be very happy," Goodstein says.

At the same time, Goodstein adds, employers should spell out what's appropriate for chatting or blogging -- and what's meant for internal correspondence only.

Context Is King

When posting personal information or photos, leave out any revealing images, references to drug use, or material that might be considered politically incorrect. "Don't have anything on there you'd be embarrassed to have grandparents or religious officiants see," Levit says.

Managers shouldn't discount automatically a candidate with a questionable photo or posting, depending on whether the material violates company policy or can be chalked up to a youthful indiscretion.

"It's a great opportunity to ask them about it in an interview," Goodstein says. "Younger people have been online for most of their lives, so it could be something they posted 10 years ago, but they've probably evolved since then. You can tell by how they answer if somebody's going to be a good fit."

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Six Essential Salary Negotiation Tips

Salary is the most awkard issue in the hiring process. Discussing the compensation often causes anxiety on both employee and employer. Here are six ways to make the process of salary negotiating efficient.

1) Research: Before the interview process begins, contact the professional organization that represents your field of career. As soon as they provide you with your salary information, you can now examine your monthly cash requirements. Remember that once your taxes are added to your paycheck, approximately 30% of your gross monthly salary is deducted.

2) Determine your skills: You should understand that different segments of the economy require a variety of skills depending on the industry setting. Once you have established what your skills are and what they are worth to the current employment market, you would know the limitations of your negotiation.

Salary range information is available at American Almanac of Jobs and Salaries, National Association of College and Employers, Career Center, and professionals in your related field.

In stating your salary range, avoid basing your desired salary on your current salary. Always tell the truth when it comes to your past salary. It is acceptable to extend a range to approximately $6,000 to show that you are within the company's price range but interested in more compensation.

3) Weigh the company's compensation package: To determine your fair market value for a specific job, you should consider the economic, geographic, and industry factors of the job offer. Weigh the benefits of compensation and promotions, insurance, allowed time off and retirement settlements of the offer to ensure a fair proposed salary.

4) Sell yourself: If you know what you could offer the company requires a larger income, never say it directly. Once you sell yourself discreetly, the interviewer would understand that the proposed salary is not appropriate for your background.

5) Have a positive attitude: In negotiating, never compete. Negotiation is basically a process which could benefit both parties. Understand your needs and those of the company.

6) The final offer: Be aware when the negotiation is done. Pushing further when a deal has been set could give a negative first impression on your part.

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Government Jobs: Extra Effort Can Pay Off

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Do you want an employer with an established reputation? Are good benefits and an even better retirement plan important to you? Do you want to make a difference? Consider a career with Uncle Sam!

The federal government is on a hiring spree and will be for the foreseeable future. Tim McManus, vice president for education and outreach at the Partnership for Public Service, agrees. "There's a huge need to get high-quality, top talent working for the federal government," he says.

There are thousands of different jobs at more than 100 different agencies. McManus points out, "There are 193,000 mission-critical jobs that need to be filled in the next two years, but that isn't the full spectrum of jobs available." And because the majority of government jobs are located all across the United States, it's likely that there are opportunities in a city or town near you.

A lot of job seekers overlook the federal government as a viable employer. Some think it's too complicated to find a government job for which they're qualified -- when, in fact, looking for a government job requires just a bit of extra effort.

1. Find your calling.

McManus says, "One of the biggest obstacles for most people is that they simply don't understand the scope of jobs that are available with the U.S. government. The unique thing about the federal government is that the skills needs are so diverse."

So whether you're an accountant or a new graduate with a history degree, there's likely an opportunity for you. Remember as you begin researching openings that the U.S. government uses a set list of job titles that may not always mirror those in the private sector. Research job titles and descriptions at www.opm.gov/fedclass/text/hdbktoc.htm to determine the positions for which you're best suited.

2. Tailor your resume.

You may need to tweak your resume a bit when applying for a government position. Uncle Sam needs lots of details -- your social security number, the job code for which you're applying, dates and addresses for each of your employers and educational institutions, and more. Oftentimes, a federal agency may have a resume-building program you can use to apply. If not, make sure your resume is rich with details so that your credentials can be easily confirmed.

3. Follow instructions.

Federal job listings follow stringent requirements in terms of where they're listed, how to apply, who is eligible, and by what date applications must be received. You must adhere to the listing's instructions. If you don't, you will not be considered for the position, no matter how qualified you may be.

4. Follow up.

"Navigating the system is the next step," says McManus. "There may be some additional things that are required for federal employment [as compared with private-sector job searches]," he points out.

If you've applied to a government agency through the agency's online portal, you may well be able to check the status of your application online. If this isn't the case, wait a month or so after the closing date and make certain your materials have been received and that your application is complete.

5. Wait.

As with any job search, waiting is involved when pursuing work with a federal agency. Depending on the resources available, it may take weeks or even months for human resources workers to review all the applications and narrow a smaller pool of people to interview.

McManus advises federal job applicants, "You have to stay with it. If you look at the end result, the time and effort is worth it -- especially for people who want to make a difference. Working for the federal government is how they can make the biggest difference."

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Philanthropy as a Strategy for Getting Ahead

by Debra B. Davenport, for Yahoo! HotJobs


We've all heard that it's better to give than to receive and that we get by giving -- but did you know these adages are especially true when it comes to your career?

For those who feel especially fulfilled by giving back and reaching out to those less fortunate, your worthy efforts can also make a meaningful contribution to your professional development. Following are ideas that might spur your to action.

Volunteer

Volunteering provides an excellent opportunity to "try on" a new job or career to see if it fits. If you're pondering a career change, take a volunteer role in the types of positions you're investigating. Considering a new career in public relations? Volunteer to write a press release for a nonprofit's PR department.

Looking into teaching careers? Volunteer in a community outreach and educational program and help deliver seminars to those in need. Most charitable organizations offer an abundance of possibilities for people looking to build new skills, develop contacts and investigate new career paths.

Be Strategic

Strategic philanthropy can put you in the power seat. Of course you want to support those organizations that have special meaning to you. But you don't have to limit the scope of your involvement. For example, don't be shy about offering to serve on boards of directors. Often, charitable organizations are hard-pressed to find dedicated people to help lead their efforts.

Contact the current chairperson and inquire if a board position will be coming available. If so, express your interest in serving and perhaps suggest a lunch meeting to start building that relationship. Alternatively, volunteer to spearhead a committee or major project. Everyone involved will naturally be contacting you. This is a great strategy for putting yourself out there and helping people get to know you and your talents.

What Are You Good At?

Sharing your natural abilities can take your career to the next level. Do you have great people and sales skills? Raise money! You can gain considerable media coverage and cachet in the professional arena by generating noteworthy donations. Make note of your community's "heavy hitters." Some of the most notable people in your area may have achieved their status through fundraising for their favorite charities.

Keep in mind, too, that as a fundraising representative for your favorite cause, you now have a legitimate reason to contact key people whom you may not have felt comfortable approaching before. Successful fundraising is also often acknowledged through a variety of awards programs. Imagine how gratifying it would feel to be honored with an award for your selfless efforts!

Generosity Opens Doors

One more tip: Although it's not widely talked about, many high-powered philanthropic positions are "pay to play." You either need to make a significant donation, or you need to raise substantial funds in order to have the opportunity to network in the more exclusive circles. Be discreet when inquiring about an organization's upper echelon and remember that, first and foremost, you're there to serve.

The caveat: It goes without saying that true altruism comes from the heart and a genuine spirit of giving -- anything less is merely self-serving.

Debra Davenport is president of DavenportFolio, a licensed firm with offices in Phoenix and Los Angeles that provides high-level career counseling and Certified Professional Mentoring to professionals and entrepreneurs. She is the creator of the Certified Professional Mentor(R) designation, and you can contact her at debra@davenportfolio.com.

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Four Steps to Career Achievement

Recently, I read a wonderful quote by William A. Ward, American scholar, author and pastor. Here's the quote: "Four steps to achievement: Plan purposefully. Prepare prayerfully. Proceed positively. Pursue persistently."

Besides the memorable alliterative nature of the quote, bells went off in my head. To me, the quote epitomized the true meaning of what it takes to have a successful career.

Let me explain.

First, "Plan purposefully." How does this apply to your career?

You've probably heard the statement, "If you don't know where you're going, you'll end up someplace else." Setting your career direction is the first, and most critical decision you need to make. How can you possibly reach a goal unless you define it?

Ask yourself "What do I want?" You'll find answers in your dreams, yearnings, the thoughts you've placed on the shelf, and what you're naturally attracted to. Talk to people about what they do and if a profession seems interesting to you, ask more questions and do research.

If you've decided that you want to move up in your organization, model your behavior and actions on high achievers and learn how to use office politics and the corporate culture in your favor.

Second, "Prepare prayerfully."

Trust that you can and will get what you want. I'm referring to having faith that with careful planning, hard work and a laser-like attention to your goal, it can become a reality. Focused intention is powerful.

When I was in human resources at Squibb Corporation, I remember wanting so much to be promoted into a recruiter position. My intention was strong and I worked diligently for 3 years, learning as much as I could, asking for and taking on more responsibility.

I was promoted shortly thereafter. Yes, it was the realization of a dream that I trusted would happen. But I planned for it. I asked for what I wanted (from my boss and of myself) and took tactical action steps (learning how to interview by enrolling in classes and by screening candidates.)

Faith coupled with planning is a winning combination.

Third, "Proceed positively."

Once you have decided on what you want and carefully crafted a plan to realize it, fuel it with good thoughts and an upbeat attitude.

Did you ever notice that it's always the people who think they will succeed, who do? That's no accident. Beyond the power of positive thinking, I truly believe you can shape your destiny by your thoughts.

Start each day being grateful for what you have, and expect good things to happen. More often than not, they will.

Fourth, "Pursue persistently."

Woody Allen once said: "Eighty percent of success is showing up."

Your goal is often waiting for you right around the corner after your last setback. Just when you feel that your plan is not going to work because you're tired, or discouraged by a naysayer, that's the time to try once more.

Of course, along the way you might need to tweak or refine the plan. That's being smart. Advice from a trusted mentor should be welcomed and folded into your action steps.

If your heart is telling you to proceed, listen to it. And take action every day.

What small, incremental steps can you make today to move your plan forward? Your new career is waiting!

Dale Kurow, M.S., 

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Government Jobs: Extra Effort Can Pay Off

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Do you want an employer with an established reputation? Are good benefits and an even better retirement plan important to you? Do you want to make a difference? Consider a career with Uncle Sam!

The federal government is on a hiring spree and will be for the foreseeable future. Tim McManus, vice president for education and outreach at the Partnership for Public Service, agrees. "There's a huge need to get high-quality, top talent working for the federal government," he says.

There are thousands of different jobs at more than 100 different agencies. McManus points out, "There are 193,000 mission-critical jobs that need to be filled in the next two years, but that isn't the full spectrum of jobs available." And because the majority of government jobs are located all across the United States, it's likely that there are opportunities in a city or town near you.

A lot of job seekers overlook the federal government as a viable employer. Some think it's too complicated to find a government job for which they're qualified -- when, in fact, looking for a government job requires just a bit of extra effort.

1. Find your calling.

McManus says, "One of the biggest obstacles for most people is that they simply don't understand the scope of jobs that are available with the U.S. government. The unique thing about the federal government is that the skills needs are so diverse."

So whether you're an accountant or a new graduate with a history degree, there's likely an opportunity for you. Remember as you begin researching openings that the U.S. government uses a set list of job titles that may not always mirror those in the private sector. Research job titles and descriptions at www.opm.gov/fedclass/text/hdbktoc.htm to determine the positions for which you're best suited.

2. Tailor your resume.

You may need to tweak your resume a bit when applying for a government position. Uncle Sam needs lots of details -- your social security number, the job code for which you're applying, dates and addresses for each of your employers and educational institutions, and more. Oftentimes, a federal agency may have a resume-building program you can use to apply. If not, make sure your resume is rich with details so that your credentials can be easily confirmed.

3. Follow instructions.

Federal job listings follow stringent requirements in terms of where they're listed, how to apply, who is eligible, and by what date applications must be received. You must adhere to the listing's instructions. If you don't, you will not be considered for the position, no matter how qualified you may be.

4. Follow up.

"Navigating the system is the next step," says McManus. "There may be some additional things that are required for federal employment [as compared with private-sector job searches]," he points out.

If you've applied to a government agency through the agency's online portal, you may well be able to check the status of your application online. If this isn't the case, wait a month or so after the closing date and make certain your materials have been received and that your application is complete.

5. Wait.

As with any job search, waiting is involved when pursuing work with a federal agency. Depending on the resources available, it may take weeks or even months for human resources workers to review all the applications and narrow a smaller pool of people to interview.

McManus advises federal job applicants, "You have to stay with it. If you look at the end result, the time and effort is worth it -- especially for people who want to make a difference. Working for the federal government is how they can make the biggest difference."

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When Taking a Pay Cut Is a Good Move

by Margaret Steen, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Taking a new job with higher pay shows that everything is going right with your career. But that doesn't mean taking a job that pays less than your last one is always the wrong move.

Common Scenarios

Experts cite several situations when you should consider taking a job at lower pay:

* Returning to the workforce. If you haven't worked for a time, you may not be able to return at the salary you were making when you left. Companies don't have to lure you away from a high-paying job, and they may be put off by your lack of recent experience. The pay cut may not be permanent, though.

Susan W. Miller, a career counselor and owner of California Career Services in Los Angeles, worked with one client who had been a director before he became ill and had to stop working for a couple of years. After he recovered, he looked for a new job.

"He was not going to be able to earn at the same level he was at," she said. Instead, he started as a manager at lower pay. "Now he has a history of success, so it's likely that after another couple of years, he will in fact be back to where he was."

* Changing careers. If you decide to move to a new industry or a new type of work, you will likely find that your years of experience in your current field don't count for much when it comes to pay. And if you're leaving an industry that typically pays well to go to one that doesn't -- for example, moving from a for-profit company to a nonprofit -- the shock can be even greater.

For example, newly minted attorneys can earn $160,000 per year, Miller said. "I can assure you that a first-year in almost any other career is not going to earn $160,000 per year."

* Gaining flexibility. Sometimes even the most successful workers reach a point where they would prefer a less intense job with less travel, even if it means less money.

"Candidates have stepped back dramatically in pay to get off the road," said Kathryn Ullrich, an executive recruiter in Silicon Valley. Others are simply looking for more flexible hours, such as the ability to leave work to attend a child's soccer game.

Other Considerations

And if you're not in one of these situations, but are simply offered a job comparable to the one you have, at lower pay? Tread carefully: It could be a sign that you're being asked to move from a top-tier employer to a second-rate one, or that your potential employer is not willing to invest in its employees.

Still, it might be a good move, depending on the circumstances. Will it save you an hour of commuting each day? Are you unhappy with your current job? Is your new employer willing to grant you a salary review in six months?

If so, consider taking it. In the long run, you'll do better at a job you enjoy -- and this will make you more attractive to other employers.

"Even though you're going to be making less money, you're going to be shining brighter, and others will notice that," said Cynthia Kivland, a career coach in Prairie Grove, Illinois.

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