Archive for December, 2011

4 Most Important Interview Questions to Ask




by: Don Goodman

So you’ve completed the process of searching for a job and sent out your cover letter and resume. Now, you’re invited to come in for an interview.

An interview is a critical point in the job hunting process. It helps you and the potential employer get a sense of whether you are the right fit for the position and company culture. It also directs the next step – a second interview, an offer, or the need to go back to step one with a continued search.

One of the things job candidates can do to make a good impression during the interview is to ask sensible questions. Posing appropriate questions related to your role and assignment conveys to the employer your interest and desire to work with the company. It also helps you gather the information you will need to formulate an impression of the position and whether the opportunity is a good fit for your personal goals. Lastly, and most important, the responses you receive from the interviewer provide critical information to help you focus on relevant points that may be considered most important by the employer during the discussion.

For example, if you ask, “What are some important characteristic you’re looking for out of a candidate for this position?” The employer may respond with a focus on leadership, project management skills, and experience with social media. In such an instance, during the interview, you can tailor your conversation and responses with information to demonstrate how you have the capabilities they’re looking for versus focusing on points you think are important based simply on assumption.

So, what questions do you need to ask during an interview so the employer develops a good impression of you and so that you gather critical information to determine if this is an appropriate next step for your career?

Ask why this position is open or if it is a newly created position. The response can tell you multiple things:

  • The company is growing;
  • The value of the position to the overall business or organization; and
  • The turnover rate or stability of the position.

Ask about the performance of the position in the past (if it existed) and what improvements or changes are desired from the new candidate. The response will tell you about:
  • Day-to-day or general expectations of the position;
  • Challenges with the position; and
  • Characteristics desired in a candidate to meet and go beyond requirements to succeed.

Ask about whom you will report to, who reports to you, and which contacts you have day-to-day contact with. The response tells you:
  • Structure of organization or direct team and who else will influence the decision;
  • Who you may potentially be interviewed by later in the process; and
  • Insight to individuals’ personalities or experience (for example, “You will report to Bob who has been with us for 10 years.”).

Ask if they feel you are well-qualified for the position. This is very important and tells you:
  • Any objections they might have giving you the opportunity to respond and overcome them;
  • Clarification regarding whether you are really in the running for the job.

Every question you ask during an interview should give insight to help you better formulate an impression of the position and company, offer you information on what experience and skills you need to highlight, and what next steps you need to take to secure an offer.

And a last word of advice, always have a question for an employer when they ask, “Do you have any questions for me?” Regardless of how thorough the interview discussion was, think hard about whether you have neglected to cover anything additional that would be important to leaving a positive impression with your interviewer as you leave their offices for the day.

7 Phrases to Delete from Your LinkedIn Profile



by: Laura Smith-Proulx

An interesting practice seems to have cropped up among self-written social media profiles, where phrases taboo on resumes like, “Self-motivated team player,” are creeping back into lists of job hunter credentials on LinkedIn.

Unfortunately, these mundane, dry, and redundant phrases can make it difficult for you to maximize the power of LinkedIn in a job search.

It’s also challenging for recruiters and employers to see past these overused terms when looking for your value proposition!

However, with a little ingenuity, you can pull the lackluster phrases out of your profile and replace them with powerful writing that conveys your personal style and energy.

Here are some of the worst offenders lurking among LinkedIn profiles, along with suggestions for alternative wording:

1. Accomplished professional

If this is really true, then show (don’t tell!) your readers about it. This phrase is likely to prompt more annoyance from employers than appreciation.

Instead, consider using a sentence or phrase that speaks specifically to your achievements, such as, “Sales rep honored for closing 147% of quota during 2009 and 2010,” or, “IT Director heading multimillion-dollar outsourcing contracts at major banks.”

In addition, you can add accomplishment data (right in the Summary) that cuts to the heart of what you do and why you’re good at it, with sentences like, “Sales manager honored for coaching 3 Top Producers,” or, “Operations manager promoted for increasing production line efficiency.”

2. Results-driven

Most companies plan on hiring someone who fits this description, and they weed out anyone who doesn’t perform to their expectations. It’s almost to your detriment to point this out in your profile.

You might try adding information that actually PROVES your drive for results, with mention of how you’ve earned a promotion in just six months, or the ways in which your performance has outpaced that of your peers.

3. Exceptional communicator

The trouble with this phrase is it’s not only tough to prove, but that the person using it often misspells one or more words (really).

Since your LinkedIn profile gives you plenty of opportunity to demonstrate your writing skills, you’ll have the opportunity to convey complex concepts or perhaps distill a major project into a short description…both of which would speak louder about your communications skills than this phrase ever will.

4. Proven success

Well, employers would hope so. After all, why mention your success unless you have some proof to back it up?

Here’s where you’re better off noting some metrics, as in, “Exceeded quota for 7 out of past 8 years,” “Brought company to 87% market share,” or, “Met 100% of project budget constraints despite limited resources.”

These achievements can help online readers understand the scope of your work and the reasons behind your career progression.

5. Experienced

Ahem… of COURSE you are.

Even worse, “Successful experience,” is so redundant you’re wasting space and LinkedIn keyword optimization by even thinking of these phrases.

One way to replace this word is to simply specify the number of years you’ve worked in the industry.

However, be careful here, “15 years of experience in sales,” doesn’t quite have the same ring as, “Generated 23% average over-quota revenue throughout progressively challenging sales roles.”

6. Responsible for

Just like a resume, there is no reason to clutter the landscape of your profile with a phrase that is largely assumed.

Rather than use this phrase, you can just skip to the relevant facts, “Managed $500K budget,” “Supervised staff of 10,” and save everyone’s time.

7. Microsoft Word skills

There’s no advantage to listing basic skills that nearly all candidates possess. Unless you are seeking an entry-level role requiring clerical duties, employers will be more surprised if you don’t have these skills, than if you take the time to list them.

You’re much better off researching target jobs and noting the skills (keywords) required for the position, then using these terms to show your competency.

To summarize, back up and take a long look at your LinkedIn profile. Are you committing the same mistakes that have been appearing on resumes for years?

If so, it’s time to refresh your approach and provide specific details on the high points of your career—information others can readily relate to (and even use to hire you) from your LinkedIn profile.


8 Habits of Highly Productive People



Source: Shine from Yahoo!

While your co-workers start every day enjoying a cup of coffee together in the break room, you’re barely able to find time to call your doctor. While they’re taking lunches, you’re rushing through another meal at your desk. Sound familiar? Here’s the good news: This apparent discrepancy may not mean you’ve got a bigger workload or that you’re a harder worker. Instead, it may mean that they’ve mastered certain time-saving skills and habits that you haven’t-until now. From prioritizing your workload to learning which projects don’t need to be perfect, read on to discover eight workplace habits that’ll boost your productivity and lower your stress levels

1. They make it a point to take breaks.

Americans seem to think that constantly working is synonymous with being productive, but unless your brain is functioning at its maximum level, you may not be getting as much work done as you think. “[Taking breaks] is like hitting the reset button. It helps you empty out your ‘brain cache’ so you have room to refill it,” says Christine Hohlbaum, author of The Power of Slow: 101 Ways to Save Time in Our 24/7 World. First and foremost, she recommends taking lunch every day-and leaving your desk to do it. “When you have a ‘working lunch,’ it’s just not very efficient. At some point you’re going to lose attention,” she says. Ultimately, eating while you work will cause you to suffer on two fronts: you won’t be able to pay attention to your food-a surefire way to overeat-and you won’t be giving your work the proper attention it deserves. In addition to a “real” lunch break, Hohlbaum suggests allotting time for other breaks as well. She recommends taking five minutes in the morning, before starting work, and at least a 10- to 15-minute break in the afternoon. Whether you take a short walk, read a book or stare out of the window with a cup of tea, it’ll help you recharge and improve your overall productivity. “It’s really important to take time off because otherwise your brain will reach a saturation point,” Hohlbaum says, explaining that when this happens, it becomes hard to focus on even the simplest task. “At that point, you need to push away from your computer and take a break.”

2. They start their day off on the right foot.

According to a recent study at the Fisher College of Business at Ohio State University, if an employee is in a bad mood when they arrive at work-whether because of familial problems or a stressful commute-it can decrease their productivity by as much as 10% that day. So unless you come in to the office every day in a great mood (and who does?), start your day with 5 to 10 minutes of time dedicated to decompressing. “Create a ritual. Maybe it’s meeting in the coffee break room or going around the office to greet everyone. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you foster a sense of connection [with your coworkers],” Says Holhbaum. “Swinging by to say ‘hi’ to your colleagues when you walk in gives you a sense of focus. When you feel you’re part of a bigger effort, you feel more connected to why you’re there and that can make all the difference in the world.” Re-focusing your mind at the beginning of the day will also create a sense of calm, helping you to disregard outside stressors and zero in on your daily tasks. “If we’re actually able to start the day centered, then we’ll have a longer tolerance period before we get off track,” Holhbaum says.

3. They make mindful food choices.

You are what you eat, and eating a heavy mid-day meal will often make you feel lethargic for the rest of the afternoon. “Consider what you’re eating at lunch. If you’re having that post-pasta slump at 2 p.m., and need java or cookies to pep back up, maybe you should try a salad or something a bit lighter so you won’t lag,” suggests Hohlbaum. The key is keeping your blood sugar levels steady throughout the day, according to Kari Kooi, RD, corporate wellness dietician at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, who recommends three light meals and two snacks at regular intervals. “Heavy meals can make you feel sluggish because they require more energy to digest,” Kooi says. “[A quality lunch] will consist of a fiber-rich carbohydrate, like water-rich veggies, and a lean protein, like chicken or fish,” she says. And what does Kooi suggest you avoid? “A highly processed meal, like some of the frozen meals in the grocery store, will not give you the sustainable energy you need. The less processed the better when it comes to keeping your energy levels up.” When you hit that midday slump, Kooi suggests going for proteins like mixed nuts and fruit instead of the usual energy-zapping pretzels, cookies or candy, which cause your blood sugar levels to spike and then drop and may even make you hungrier, according to Kooi.

4. They keep a flexible to-do list.

Making a daily list of to-dos is a great way to stay on top of your work. However, there is one pitfall-it can make you inflexible. “A lot of people feel their day’s been wrecked if they have to change their plan, but the most effective people understand that’s part of the job,” says Vicki Milazzo, author of Wicked Success Is Inside Every Woman. “I always start my day with a plan, but by 9 a.m. I’ve busted that plan.” However, according to Paula Rizzo, a master list-maker and founder of ListProducer.com, it’s important to keep some form of a to-do list, no matter how much your day changes. For example, Rizzo begins her days with a master list, which she continually updates throughout the course of the day to note the items that haven’t been done or to add tasks as they crop up. Before leaving work, Rizzo will make a fresh list for the next day. The key, she says, is referencing the changing list throughout the day to keep herself on course. “Just putting a little extra work into it will keep you on track.”

5. They use technology with intent.

In today’s 24/7 all-access world, it’s hard to get a handle on technology use. While it’s impossible to avoid it altogether, you can be disciplined about how much time you spend perusing the Web. Set aside a specific time, say 15 minutes after lunch, to scroll through your social networking sites or other favorite websites-and stick to it. Or try something like Google Chrome’s website blocker, which allows you to set restrictions to your online time by either totally blocking your favorite websites or just restricting the timeframes within which you are allowed to check them. In addition to surfing the Internet, it’s important to watch your email habits. Whether you give yourself 15 to 30 minutes at a set time each day to check your personal email, or you allow yourself brief intervals between tasks, Holhbaum says the key is to be very mindful of the time you’re spending checking your non-work inbox. “Have a very clear distinction between what’s personal and what’s work. If that’s a part of your ‘OK I need to zone out for a little bit’ time, that’s fine. But you need to be clear and be mindful of what you’re doing.” Even work-related emails can become a distraction if not properly managed. Ask yourself if email is the best method of communication, or if you’re better off calling the person. “Sending 100 emails isn’t [always] going to be the most productive thing. And as we know, emails beget emails. They’re like little rabbits,” Hohlbaum jokes. “If it’s a one-way communication, for example forwarding an airplane itinerary, you don’t need to have any answer [so email works]. But if you want detail or you know the person won’t respond right away by email, pick up the phone,” she says. Learn 15 keyboard shortcuts you probably don’t know.

6. They balance their workload.

Different tasks require different levels of concentration, which you can use to your advantage. Start by identifying-and placing-the tasks you have into two categories: weeds and intensive work. Weeds are small, manageable things such as handling email, phone calls and minor organizational tasks. Intensive work is anything that requires an extended period of concentration, such as management tasks, preparing presentations, writing or editing. “Miscellaneous routine tasks are like weeds in your garden; we all have them, and no matter how often we try to get rid of them, they never go away,” says Milazzo. “Yet they do have to be handled, and pulling a few weeds can provide a restorative break from more intensive work.” Milazzo recommends splitting up long sessions of intensive work with regular 15- to 30-minute intervals of weed pulling. This way, you’ll accomplish a variety of tasks while not burning out on one type of work.

7. They put perfectionism in its place.

While turning in perfect work has been encouraged since kindergarten, that attitude can be counterproductive if it’s not managed. It’s important to pick your battles. “Women, by nature, are somewhat perfectionist,” says Milazzo. “So we need to distinguish what requires perfectionism,” she says. Of course you want to put your best foot forward in all situations, but if you’re strapped for time, prioritize. If, for example, you’re writing an informal memo or email to a co-worker, give it a quick look and spell-check it, but resist the urge to re-read it three times over. If, on the other hand, you’re creating a brochure for your company or preparing an important presentation, then that’s the time to put all of your perfectionist tendencies to good use.

8. They know how to say “no.”

It’s easy to get distracted or overwhelmed at work. But one of the secrets of highly productive people is that they learn when and how to say “no.” For starters, say “no” to whiners, complainers and distracting people. One way to do that, according to Rizzo, is by wearing headphones. “That sends the message that you’re busy and it drowns out the noise as well,” she says. When it comes time to say “no” to the boss, tread lightly but firmly. You don’t have to spell out n-o per se; rather, ask her to prioritize what’s most important given what’s on your plate. “When an employee does that, the boss usually comes to their senses and they get it,” Milazzo says. “You don’t want to make your boss the enemy; you want your boss to know you’re there for the company, and that you’re there for them. If they know that, they’re more likely to listen to what you say.”

As Job Dissatisfaction Heats Up, Don’t Let Your Company Lose The Game Of Musical Chairs



by: Roberta Matuson

If the surveys are correct, 2012 could go down in history as the year of corporate musical chairs. The results of recent studies conducted by Gallup, Mercer, and Right Management are alarming. Despite–or perhaps because of–the economic turmoil, discontent among workers remains high.

Right Management found that workers continue to feel trapped in their jobs and want to find new employment elsewhere. They polled more than a 1,000 employees in North America and found 84% of respondents are planning to look for a new position in 2012. According to Mercer’s recent What’s Working global survey of nearly 30,000 people in 17 countries, between 28% and 56% of workers are seriously considering leaving their jobs, with younger workers even more likely to be considering a move.

The Mercer study, echoing several Gallup polls in the past, shows that workers are increasingly less committed to their employers, which has only gotten worse during the recession. When asked what factors motivate employees to stay, the Mercer study showed that “being treated with respect,” and “work-life” balance led the list, with base pay and benefits listed lower.

Employees are speaking (or in many cases shouting), yet employers continue to operate as if everything is fine on the home front. If this were really the case, then exceptional customer service would be the rule, rather than the exception. There is no way you can deliver high levels of customer service with a workforce that has one foot out the door. Just look around. When is the last time you had a great experience with a service provider? Can’t remember? Neither can I.

There is still time to prevent your talent from walking out the door, but this will require a sharp turn in your organization. To do so, you must expunge the following ideas from your corporate culture:

We can’t afford to pay people what they are worth. Actually, you can’t afford not to pay people what they are worth. As the economy shifts, those who haven’t had pay raises in years will find employers who will compensate them for the value they bring to the organization. You can pay your employees a little bit more or you can pay the headhunter, who will be charging you 30% of the first year’s annual salary (times the number of employees you will now be replacing), the money you say you don’t have. Let’s hope the headhunter can deliver candidates who are fully trained in your systems, know exactly what your customers desire, and are willing to work for the same amount as those you’ve just handed over to your competitors.

Everyone is replaceable. The belief is that jobs are simple to fill in this market. Just don’t tell that to the many employers struggling to find the talent they need. Professionals with highly specialized skills are in short supply–particularly in the information technology and finance fields. Skilled workers are almost impossible to find. Professional firms are scouring their alumni networks to fill positions vacated by those who have gone to work for clients.

What do you think might happen if you began to treat your people as if they were irreplaceable? Would they feel more valued? Would they be more committed to your organization? Would you be better able to grow your business knowing you had people who could handle the new business you brought in?

Workers should be grateful they have a job. Yes, they should be. But they don’t need you reminding them. What if instead, you took the position you were grateful to have these people working for you? This small shift in thinking can create a huge change in your culture. Workers would feel appreciated and you would feel proud knowing you were associated with the best in the business.

The time to make changes in your organization is now. Wait much longer and you may be the one left without a chair.

Career Management: 8 Tips for Disagreeing with the Boss



Source: Careerealism

Disagreeing with other people, without taking a body count or courting disaster, is something most people try to avoid as much as possible. Nevertheless, we recognize we can’t always agree with everything that comes our way – even if it comes from the boss. Many of us think disagreement with the boss is one of those career-limiting moves to be avoided as all costs. Think again.

Most managers want to think they’ve hired brilliant people who can think and act well on the company’s behalf. That includes not letting them or anyone else drive off a metaphorical cliff. That means you are being paid to use your brain AND mouth. The diversity that takes place in the workplace isn’t just about race or religion; it’s about ideas, perspectives and insight. If you are truly engaging in what is taking place at work, it’s not possible to agree with the boss 100% of the time.

You can disagree with the boss and make that disagreement a win-win for both of you. You can win because you can make it career enhancing. The boss can win because they will come off as an engaging manager and get a much better end result.

Here are eight tips to turn disagreement into a great thing for your career:

  1. Disagree, but don’t be disagreeable. When something strikes you as wrong or out of line, keep your emotions in check. No one, especially the boss, will appreciate an emotionally charged rebuttal. People tend to mirror each other’s energy level; and if you turn red and flap your arms, it will be met with equal intensity.
  2. Don’t make it personal. The conversation will go much better if you are addressing the issue or topic and not making your disagreement about the person, your boss.
  3. Be clear about what you don’t agree with. If you can’t articulate what is troubling you about something, wait until you can be clear. If you can’t be clear, you will not have a conversation that will make any sense to the recipient. A confusing conversation will not leave a great impression.
  4. Offer alternatives. Nothing falls flatter than squashing an idea only to have nothing to replace it with. If you can’t think up a better idea, then what good is the disagreement? Sure, you might not like the idea, but if you can’t come up with something else, then go with what you have. You have to solve problems to be an asset.
  5. Take things private. Depending on the setting and issue, you may need to take your disagreement to a private setting with your boss. This allows you to cover whatever you need to, have a discussion and keep both of you looking good to the rest of the office. You never want to embarrass the boss; if you do, they will remember much too long. They will appreciate your sensitivity and professionalism when you have the insight to know when it’s time to have a private discussion.
  6. Seek to understand. Many conflicts and disagreements are rooted in a failure to communicate and understand the other person. When something does arise that doesn’t hit you right, ask questions and gain clarity. You may discover that you do agree after all. Doing this will also help you avoid discomfort.
  7. No one likes “yes” people. This is more than simply sucking up to the boss. This is agreeing with the boss at the cost of your character, values and career. You might think it will enhance your career, but it will back-fire against you as the higher ups see that your contributions are limited.
  8. Disagree and commit. The biggest issue that managers have when employees disagree is their becoming insubordinate and undermining efforts. If you have followed all of these steps and you still have disagreement, then it’s time for you to disagree and commit yourself to whatever is being proposed. After all, the idea or direction might really work out well. Your manager will think you are truly a professional if you can work through your disagreement, offer solutions and be able to “get on board”.


Certainly, out there in the universe are managers with fragile egos who can’t tolerate anyone disagreeing with their mandates or directions. They too will only get just so far in their career. Anytime you limit the free flow of thought and contribution, you limit the possibilities. You need to screen for these people in your job search. If you wound up with a boss like that, you should consider a different group or job. But for most managers, they enjoy discussion and debate as a means of developing great ideas and direction. They understand that disagreement is part of the process.

How To Get Promoted At Your Office Holiday Party



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by: Jenna Goudreau


The invitations are out. The trimmings are up, and workers everywhere are starting to sweat. It’s beginning to look a lot like the annual holiday party.

“Especially for more junior people, the office holiday party is a rare opportunity to be in a room with immediate supervisors and the big boss,” says Christine Jahnke, author of The Well-Spoken Woman and a speech coach who’s worked with Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton. “You can leverage it, or you can really blow it.”

Experts agree that workplace bashes are ideal for raising your visibility and getting on the radar of company influencers. But climbers beware: If mishandled, the spotlight can burn. According to a survey conducted by human resources firm Adecco last year, 40% of workers have witnessed or committed a holiday-party indiscretion, which caused a shocking 14% to lose their jobs.

This year, here’s how to walk away feeling jolly–rather than sorry.

The Look

Use It: “This is your chance to shine,” says Washington, D.C.-based personal stylist Tara Luizzi, who advises using your holiday style to display your personality in a still-sophisticated, elegant way. “The most important thing is to understand your audience and venue.” Note the size and formality of the party and its location, and if you’ve never attended one, ask others what to expect.

For women, dressing is always a bit more complicated, says Luizzi. She recommends giving a classic look a modern twist by pairing a simple black cocktail dress, a tailored black suit or a silk blouse and knee-length pencil skirt with a fun, trendy accessory. In style this year are tuxedo jackets, textured tights, chunky jewelry and glittery bags and shoes. Oftentimes, the right accessory can even be used as a talking point. For men, Luizzi recommends a pinstriped or charcoal-colored suit with a jewel-toned tie or, depending on the location, dark-wash jeans and a sport coat.

Blow It: “Do not wear every trend at once,” warns Luizzi, adding that sequins from head to toe will not project “professional.” She also advises women to be particularly careful about showing too much skin, as bare legs and strappy sandals, plunging necklines, too-short hemlines and tight, clingy clothing may make bosses question your competence. For those festive individuals, fabric choice and color should portray your holiday cheer–not snowflake, candy cane, Christmas tree or skiing patterns.

The Toast

Use It: According to Jahnke, giving a holiday toast is one of the best ways to create a platform to be seen, but it must be well thought out and carefully done. She advises focusing outward by recognizing a hard-working colleague or applauding a team that brought big results. Practice beforehand and keep it short, she says. “It’s hard to mess up in 20 seconds,” but anything over 90 seconds is too long. Take a deep breath, stand up straight, place one foot slightly in front of the other and smile to create a relaxed and inviting presence. True Stories From The Holiday Party Files Meghan Casserly Meghan Casserly Forbes Staff 8 images Photos: How Not To Behave At The Office Party Worst Holiday Money Mistakes Jenna Goudreau Jenna Goudreau Forbes Staff

Blow It: “Go easy on the egg-nog,” Jahnke warns. “The more you drink the more likely you are to say something inappropriate.” Overindulging may also slur your speech and upset your balance without you even realizing it. Don’t use the podium to go into a comedy routine either, which could too easily turn sour, and beware of rambling on about yourself or for too long. Also, honesty is paramount. “If you’re not sincere,” she says, “your colleagues will know and suspect brownnosing.”

The Introduction

Use It: “If you want to stand out, this is the setting where you can take some initiative,” says Jahnke. “Walk up and introduce yourself.” State your name slowly and clearly, she suggests, and say basically what it is you do or who you work with without fumbling over a long technical title. Have a couple icebreakers ready, like asking about holiday plans or complimenting an interesting piece of jewelry, to cut the tension. Include others nearby in the conversation, and keep topics light rather than talking shop, she counsels.

Blow It: If you’re unmarried and dates are invited, be very careful about who you bring, says Jahnke. “Is this someone you really want to introduce to your boss?” Similarly, flirting is a major no-no. In the Adecco survey, 3% admitted the holiday party led to an embarrassing fling with a coworker. Finally, be very aware of what comes out of your mouth. This is not the time to ask what John Doe really does all day or detail how you would reorganize the company. Men especially take care, as 11% (vs. 4% of women) regret saying something inappropriate at a holiday party.

The Smalltalk

Use It: When you’re in a circle, says Jahnke, rather than firing off your elevator pitch, try to get to know colleagues better and show your personality. The most effective tactic is to ask questions. If you’ve seen a boating picture in the boss’s office, ask if it’s a hobby. If you’ve noticed a book or shared interest via social media, inquire about it. “People like to talk about themselves,” Jahnke notes, “and it makes for a much more interesting conversation than work.”

Blow It: Never venture into something confidential or private, and stay away from advice-giving and negativity. If the conversation hits a lull or you find yourself standing alone for a moment, do not pull out your phone. “Social network in the room, not on your mobile device,” advises etiquette expert Anna Post, author of the latest edition of Emily Post’s Etiquette. Otherwise you’ll appear bored or unavailable and cut yourself off from potential networking opportunities.


Arcelia Hurtado, Executive Director of Equal Rights Advocates (ERA) and founder of the Women Defenders Fellowship




OK Radio

12.06.2011
OK Radio host Lynne Norton speaks with Arcelia Hurtado, Executive Director of Equal Rights Advocates (ERA) and founder of the Women Defenders Fellowship. Arcelia shares about the work of ERA and what it is like to work for an advocacy group.

Listen Now Listen to the Podcast Now!



About Arcelia Hurtado and ERA
Arcelia Hurtado serves as Executive Director of Equal Rights Advocates, a non-profit legal organization dedicated to protecting and expanding economic and educational access and opportunities for women and girls. ERA is a leader in fighting for education equity, working families and marginalized women workers via public education, legislative advocacy and litigation.

Before joining ERA in 2009, Hurtado worked for 12 years as a public defender. As a trial lawyer, she litigated more than a dozen jury trials representing juveniles and adults accused of misdemeanors and felonies and, as an appellate lawyer, she represented people on death row and argued cases before numerous courts, including the California Supreme Court.

Raised in South Texas by Mexican immigrant parents, Hurtado is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley and UC Berkeley Boalt Hall School of Law. She has served on the boards of numerous professional and non-profit organizations including Women Defenders, San Francisco La Raza Lawyers Association, Our Family Coalition, and Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom. Hurtado is also the founder of the Women Defenders Fellowship, which supports law students pursuing careers in indigent criminal defense. She has taught Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, and Criminal Procedure at several Bay Area law schools.

Since joining ERA, Hurtado has won several honors. She was named a Pioneer in Justice by the Levi Strauss Foundation, an innovative initiative to bring together next-generation leaders shaping the next wave of social justice work. Hurtado was also awarded the competitive two-year executive training LeaderSpring Fellowship.

A frequent speaker on civil rights and women’s rights, Hurtado lives in San Francisco with her family.


Interview Highlights
Mission of ERA
Working for an advocacy group
Campaigns ERA is currently involved in
Title 9 and its description
ERA’s involvement with the WalMart lawsuit
OK if? If Arcelia could eliminate one habit, what would she stop doing?




Top 5 Holiday Networking Tips




By James Wright

Whether it be The Day of Ashura, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Bodhi Day, Virgin of Guadalupe, Las Posadas, Christmas or just a reason to pull out the Santa and Elves costumes; you cannot go one week without being invited to some company sponsored, community or religious event. While it is extremely important to respectfully recognize the multitude of different backgrounds, faiths and beliefs being displayed; it is equally important to remember this is a perfect time to really focus on your professional branding and how you want to be perceived in the New Year.

1. Every Event is an Opportunity to Network
While the eggnog is flowing, festive music is in the air; remember building relationships is what you are focused on and not just another glass of the bubbly. This tends to be the time when Corporate America slows down just a tad; so people are more open to attending after-hours holiday events. Capitalize on that by attending functions and reconnect with colleagues, company leaders, recruiters, etc. Remember to connect with people you DO NOT KNOW and do not spend time discussing what you do. This is a time for individuals to relax and enjoy themselves in a setting that allows them to get to know you. You are not just the job you currently have nor the position you are trying to land; successful networkers know to leave those things at the door and simply bring themselves instead.

2. NEVER Forget the Business Card
I cannot tell you how many times I have gone to an event where you offer your business card only to hear, “I’m sorry but I’ve run out of cards” or “Oops, I forgot to bring them.” While I am a HUGE advocate of leveraging technology (e.g. LinkedIn’s Cardmunch App), there’s something to be said about that 4 sided little thing called a business card and how it will appear to top executives if you chose not to bring one. If you are in-between jobs, INVEST in a good quality business card (and no, this does NOT include Vistaprint). Think creatively, think unique, think memorable. My personal business card from a few years ago, seen here, is only one of many examples of how you can separate yourself from just another business card holder. From the silk paper to the raised colorful and glossy water droplets, it always proved to get the needed attention it deserved.

3. Send Holiday Cards
A recent study showed that 63% of 1,000 men and women surveyed nationwide would mail tangible greetings this year. Holiday Cards are almost small gifts. Well timed Holiday Cards can make you stand out and be the first to receive that coveted lunch meeting in the New Year. In this world of digital communication, people still love to receive snail mail, display it on their office desks and post them to their office doors. But choose to be different by not choosing the proverbial Hallmark Card. Instead consider CardsDirect.com. But be aware of varying religious beliefs; I prefer “Happy Holiday” greetings over “Merry Christmas” in the corporate world as a way to ensure inclusiveness. But in my personal circle of friends, Merry Christmas is certainly appropriate.

4. A Bottle of Wine Begs to Be Shared
Consider sharing a bottle of wine as a gift with those top five executives you really want to be add to your network. There are several wine companies out there but I have recently come across a company with a unique idea – (and if you know me you know I love unique ideas) – wine in a wooden bottle. “Wooden Bottle” has entered the market and saved the day by displaying individuality which is sure to catch the eye and spark interest of any recipient. Everyone loves a bottle of wine, even if you are not a wine drinker, and the packaging is so unique it is sure to grace the desk or the office cabinet for years to come as of reminder of your thoughtfulness.

5. Timely Follow-up is Imperative
After all the tinsel has been taken off the tree, the candles put away and the holiday travel has ended; never forget to drop a note of thanks to all those you were able to connect with in person. Add them to your LinkedIn network and work to schedule time for coffee, lunch or an in-office meeting. Not doing this has the potential of making you the person an executive or recruiter met but just cannot seem to remember.

End your 2011 on a positive note by using these networking tips that will surely set you up for career success in 2012.



How to Decipher Job Ads



Source: Yahoo! Finance

If you’re spending time reading job advertisements online, you know that they’re not all written equally. Some include far more details than you need to apply, while others are sparse and leave a lot up to the imagination. It’s up to you to pick out what’s important when applying for a job.

Why should you care whether a job ad is well-written or not? If you apply for every job in your industry, regardless of how descriptive the ad is, and whether or not it’s a good fit for you, you’re wasting precious time that could be spent focusing on jobs and companies where you have more opportunity to secure an interview. It could also clue you in to how serious the company is about the position and give you details about the company culture.

Weed out the Good Stuff

Certain components of a job ad are skills the employer requires, or at least, would like to see in potential candidates. Start by looking at what is listed for skills, experience, and education. Realize that sometimes companies list requirements that are next to impossible to find. In other words, the specifications are flexible to an extent. For example, an electronics company might want a public relations director with 12-plus years of experience in PR, as well as a Ph.D. in electrical engineering. While there are certainly a few people out there that match the requirement, the chances of finding it are slim and reduce or eliminate a lot of the qualified candidate pool. Other times, the skills the company requires do not match the salary they state they are wiling to pay. Something has to give–either the budget will go up for the right candidate or the qualifications will become more realistic. If you have most of what the ad requires, go ahead and apply.

Focus on Keywords

Some job descriptions are long enough to make your eyes cross. Try to skim and pick out the keywords that stand out. If a quick scan piques your interest, go back and read the description more thoroughly to determine if it’s a good fit.

If you’re searching online for jobs, start by searching for keywords that match your field of expertise. Depending on your industry, a company may have many different titles to choose from, and if you are only searching for a specific title you could be missing out on many relevant positions. You might also miss out on a subset in your industry that requires more general industry skills, but do not require that expertise and give you the opportunity to specialize.

Once you’ve narrowed down a list of positions you’re interested and qualified for, make sure you integrate the keywords and abbreviations in your cover letter and resume. The more you mimic the language used in the job ad, the more employers will pay attention to your application.

Ignore the Fluff

Most job ads are half relevant information and half fluff. The fluff is typically the last half of the job description. While being a detail-oriented, organized person with excellent communications skills may be qualities listed in the job description, this isn’t the area you want to play up in your resume. These aren’t “real skills” and won’t land you an interview, so skip over them and focus on the important parts of the description.

Beware of the job descriptions that leave too much to the imagination. It could be a sign of a job that doesn’t really exist. It may be an instance in which a recruiter or company is simply collecting resumes. It’s also a sign the company doesn’t know what to look for or what this person will be responsible for in the company.

Smile, You’re On Camera!



By Christopher Chavez

Recently, I was reminded by how each of us can freely access the incredibly powerful network of nonprofit professionals. Two weeks ago, a colleague and I traveled to San Francisco to participate in the annual Summer Learning conference of the National Summer Learning Association. Our organization had received one of five Excellence In Summer Learning Awards given by the Association to recognize outstanding summer learning programs.

Over the next three days, conference goers choreographed the usual networking dance and card exchange. Sound familiar? Everyone became fast professional friends over the breakfast table, morning session table, lunch table, afternoon session table, and dinner table. Over every table, ideas big and small were shared, with promises of follow through sincere and polite attached to them. Then, after all the learning and relationship building, the conference was over.

Maybe it was the influx of younger professionals. Maybe it was the keynote speaker Dr. Milton Chen who lauded the potential of digital learning tools. Whatever it was, something I’ve heard many times over finally struck a chord.

Today, nonprofit professionals have some incredibly powerful communications tools at our fingertips. Why are more of us not using them?


During this holiday season, give yourself and your organization the gift of connectivity. Take the extra step to speak with like-minded individuals across your city, state, country, and globe with a web cam, a relatively decent computer, and an Internet connection.

Start off by connecting with partner organizations. Branch out to your larger professional field. Then, take a chance, send a facebook message, or email, and schedule a face-to-face with a stranger that shares your views on the other side of the country. Why not?

Here are some services to start you off on the right track.

Google+ Hangouts
Gain
Video chat with up to 7 other people. Whoever talks pops up front and center while others are visible just below the main video window. It all happens smoothly and automatically. Check out how users are putting this service to the creative test.

Pain
You need a Google+ account. It doesn’t need to be active. But, yes, you will have to take a minute to create one. Not easily dissuaded? Sign up here.

Facebook Video Calling
Gain
Benefit from the merger between facebook and skype in a very real way. The connection is smooth and skype’s technology makes the experience feel strangely familiar. You’re probably already on facebook too, eh?

Pain
You can only speak with one person at a time. You may finally have to take the plunge into facebook land and create a profile. No biggie, right? Chances are you already have one. Not yet? Join now.

Tiny Chat
Gain
It’s a service dedicated to video chat technology. The experience is not as smooth as some of the big’uns, but it has that start up, could be something big, appeal.

Pain Load times are slow - I’m still waiting for my chat room to boot up. Yet another Internet service trying to build a social network of sorts. Feeling adventurous and on the edge. They will welcome you with open arms here.

To share online and offline thoughts, follow Chris on twitter here.


About the Author
Chris works at the Fiver Children’s Foundation helping to design and implement evaluation, development, and communications strategies. Online, Chris is passionate about social-info-tech platforms and wants nonprofit professionals to push their limits. Offline, he enjoys climbing cliffs and the occasional mountain.




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