The Daily Machete
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The Daily Machete
ADDING VALUE: There's No Stopping Us
Years after DeFazio and Feeney moved into the same building as Lenny and Squiggy, those words still inspire.
Never heard the word "impossible."
Admittedly, these greats had grand ambitions. Laverne and Shirley's desires? Not so much. But they refused to accept impossible, as well.
Most of us won't change the world as much as George Washington Carver. No, most of us are probably a bit closer to our favorite brewery workers.
But that doesn't mean we should accept "impossible." Chances are, you've made things happen because you refused to have them not happen.
It could have been something as simple as changing your own brake pads. Maybe you put a conference together and willed it to succeed. Maybe you ran a marathon. Maybe you delivered a baby without any training.
You probably weren't thinking about the girls from Milwaukee when you accomplished what had previously been beyond your reach. Not consciously, anyway. But you embodied their spirit.
And you can do it again. You can do the impossible. Just believe.
IN THE CARAVAN: "Impossible" only means you haven't done it yet.
RESUMES: Should You List References or Provide Reference Letters?
I always recommend reference letters. Including them with your cover letter and resume shows:
You’re a professional. Reference letters are great sales pieces. They’re testimonials. They show what your professional peers think about you. Including them also demonstrates a great deal of courtesy by giving the hiring manager what s/he wants – before even asking for it.
You want the job. These letters cut to the chase. They show potential employers that you have the goods. Including them provides the “WOW! Factor” and makes your credentials stand out. This shows you want this job.
Whether you decide to include reference letters or a list of references, it’s wise to keep the following in mind:
Tell people you’ll be using them as references. If you don’t give them a “heads up,” they may well give you a “thumbs down.” Give them a few key points to hit upon if and when they’re called by the hiring manager.
Only a fool gives bad references. Surprisingly, there are some who list their former employers as references – even after being justifiably fired. Likewise, including someone who doesn’t like you is worse than not providing references at all.
Include only professional references. Don’t include family or friends – unless you’ve worked with them. Keep in mind that you can get references not only from those above you, but those next to you and lower than you. So talk to those you’ve worked with and use them as references. Listing friends shows you’re not professional.
IN THE CARAVAN: Use reference letters instead of a list of references.
INTERVIEWING: Proposing Your Own Job
In other words, we were notified that we needed to find another position either within the organization...or at another company. Luckily, our pink slips gave us three months to make arrangements.
Also luckily, Ken and I found other positions within the bank, albeit in different departments. While I was flattered to receive offers from two departments, Ken took a different route. One that radically increased his salary.
He proposed - and created - his own job. Here's what he did:
He showed the benefit. Knowing employers only care about three things, Ken was able to successfully show how his new position would 1) make money; 2) save money; and 3) increase branding and provide customer service. By streamlining, he saved the bank money. By developing a new credit product, he showed how it would be profitable for the bank and help ease the burden of small business owners' often crunched monthly cash flow.
He proposed it to the right people. Here, Ken had an advantage: he worked for the bank and knew many of the managers. He networked with them until he found the right contact people and presented his written proposal at a meeting. They leapt at the chance to put his idea to use and named him the manager of the newly created group.
IN THE CARAVAN: Follow Ken's example when proposing your own job: look for a need, show the benefit and make the proposal to the right people.
NETWORKING: Be the Hub to Improve Your Networking
Here's what you can learn from Forrest Gump:
If you said “yes,” then you have become a hub – the center point. It’s a good thing. It means your networking efforts are paying off. Here’s why:
You’re seen as the go-to person. The parties you connect will likely connect people to you as a resource. The more people you help, the more exposure you get. More exposure means more efficient branding.
It adds value. Yes, this is a Tuesday/Wednesday crossover. More people see you as having a higher perceived worth. Higher perceived worth equals higher actual worth when it comes to negotiating compensation. Why? Because your brand means more.
IN THE CARAVAN: Becoming the hub gives you more exposure because you’re seen as the go-to person. This adds value to your branding efforts.
RESUMES: Panning for Resume Gold
If you were a prospector in the Old West, you most likely would have either heard that phrase...or said it.
I'm here to tell you there's still gold in them there hills. Metaphorically, that is. There are tons of jobs open. There are tons of employers looking for qualified candidates.
In many ways, looking for work today is just like panning for gold in the old west. You can find what you're looking for so long as you don't waste your time and efforts.
If you were panning for gold, would you blindly try 100 streams each day? Or would you find out which streams have the best chance of you finding gold and hit them?
Here's hoping you picked the second option.
If you send 100 resumes each day, I will guarantee three possible outcomes: 1) you will spend a boatload of cash on postage, envelopes and resume paper; 2) your emails will be regarded as spam in employers' email boxes; and 3) even if an employer reads your resume and cover, it will be evident you know nothing about the company.
Sure, you may get an interview. But then, if you throw enough darts while blindfolded, you also might hit the board once or twice.
The smarter route, then, is to send targeted resumes to companies that you've actually done some research on; to companies with employees you have networked with.
You'll save a wad of cash, your resume will have a better chance of being read, and you will wind up with more interviews.
Happy panning.
IN THE CARAVAN: Looking for work is like panning for gold: research the streams. Send out your resumes the same way you'd work a stream: do so where the gold is likely to be.
INTERVIEWING: Job Interview Questions You Hate
Most of us have.
Below, you will find a few of the most hated questions with some sample responses. Your answers may differ based on your own situation. Keep in mind, though, that your answers, like the ones below, should be phrased in a positive - or at least a non-negative - way.
Q: Why did you leave your last employer?
A1 (if you were fired): It was based on miscommunication. These things happen, though. My supervisor and I discussed the issue at length and came to a parting of ways. How is communication encouraged here?
A2 (if you left on your own): I felt my personal integrity was more valuable than staying. What sort of ethical checks and balances are in place here?
Q: Why would you want this job? You seem over-qualified.
A (if it's resume-related): I appreciate your kind words - and thank you for saying so. However, I've made the conscious decision to focus on my core skill set, which this position will allow me to do. How would you encourage others to make use of my other skills?
A2 (if you think it's age-related): You mean a little old? (slight dismissing laugh) That's what my kids tell me. Most employers are hesitant about hiring anyone over 50 because they don't think the employee will stay more than five years. In truth, though, most of today's young people change jobs every five years, anyhow. How would you encourage co-workers to gain from my experience?
Q: What is your weakest point?
A: (slight chuckle) You know, most people you interview will tell you they're too hard on themselves or they're perfectionists, then end by telling you they're working to come to peace with themselves. (slight chuckle) I'm not going to give a robotic answer like that. I will tell you, however, that I'm not perfect - nobody is. When I notice a weakness in myself, or one is brought to my attention, though, I take action to correct it. It's a never-ending process. What sort of review or evaluation processes are currently in place here?
This is by no means a comprehensive list - it's merely Part 1. If you have been asked interview questions that make you squirm and hate to answer, send me an email and I'll be happy to answer in an upcoming post.
IN THE CARAVAN: Answer honestly and briefly, then redirect with a non-threatening, informed question of your own.
ADDING VALUE: Developing Leadership Skills
I asked William Self, President of The Leadership Factor in , for his thoughts on leadership.
“In many ways a leader is a teacher. He or she educates others and shows them how to accomplish what they have set out to do. A true leader, then, is more of a facilitator, who understands that the ones being led are responsible to get things done, and that he or she simply shows them how to be successful, much like a coach would to the players, even if the leader is part of the team.
“One of the essential ingredients for leadership is enthusiasm, because it spills over to the ones who are relying on their leader. Enthusiasm translates into making the work to be done very important to the followers. It makes the efforts put forward significant and makes the followers feel they are making a difference in what they are doing.
“Before you can lead others, you need to develop confidence and clear thinking. The process starts with understanding the direction that you want to follow and the goals you want to accomplish. In order for people to follow you, however, you need to express these goals and directions clearly.
“An excellent way to improve in this area is through Toastmasters. It is an organization that teaches communication skills, not only in public speaking skills, but in the ability to organize your thoughts and ideas, including written, in compelling ways that persuade others. Toastmasters can help potential leaders become outstanding communicators and practice the leadership that will make them more successful in their work and personal lives.”
IN THE CARAVAN: Practice your innate leadership skills, coach others, express enthusiasm, have confidence in yourself and consider joining Toastmasters.
NETWORKING: Branding Basics
What do they all have in common?
I mean, other than being publicly traded and worth billions.
You know these companies because they're brand names. They've branded themselves.
These companies spend truck loads of money to advertise and brand themselves. You don't have to do that.
But you do need to brand yourself. You need employers to think of you when they have a particular need.
How do you do that without going broke?
Have a web presence. It can be something as simple as a one-page site with just your resume. It can be a blog. Or it could be a full-blown website, complete with samples of your work, and audio and/or video. Just be sure you make it professional. Prospective employers aren't as eager to hire the author of "CoverMeWithCheez" as you would think.
Include your web address on all work search related correspondence.
Make business cards. It's become trendy in recent years for job seekers to have "personal" business cards. They're handy to pass out when carrying a resume isn't feasible. Get them professionally designed - or at least designed by somebody with a flair for that kind of thing.
Develop a catch phrase. Coke has "The real thing." Microsoft has "Where do you want to go today?" Even this site, WildJobSafari.com, has "Free daily job search advice. Because it's a jungle out there."
You can even impart a little humor. One of my clients, whose last name is "Smith," decided to poke a little fun at his common name. He used the phrase "Yeah. THAT Smith."
IN THE CARAVAN: Whenever networking, push your brand: pass your business cards out and point employers to your web site or blog; both should have your catch phrase.
Memorial Day
Happy Memorial Day!
For the benefit of international readers, Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer for Americans. We break out our grills, plant our gardens, and do all of those things we wait all winter to do.
But they shouldn't.
Memorial Day was set up to remember the fallen soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in serving their country.
The thing is, everybody – without exception – knows or is related to someone who has/is serving in the military. If we're lucky, they came back from their tour of duty. But that doesn't always happen in armed conflict.
Whether your political beliefs lean right or left, it's important to keep in mind the role of a country's military: to protect that country's citizens and to protect their best interests. Sometimes just the threat of military action is enough to keep tense international situations from growing violent. Sometimes, however, armed conflict happens.
And soldiers die as a result.
And so Memorial Day was set up in America to remember our fallen soldiers.
Here's the thing, though: When a soldier dies, so does a family and part of a community. As such, it's only fitting that we take part of Memorial Day to remember our fallen soldiers by spending spending some time with a family (even if it's our own) of someone who died in combat. It's also fitting to go to our local Memorial Day parades to honor those who not only were cut down, but who were willing to sacrifice themselves in service to their country. And, perhaps most importantly, it's fitting to visit the family of someone who died in battle to talk about the soldier's life.
Like most of you, I not only know quite a few veterans, but am also related to a few currently in active service. Memorial Day is a mixture of sorrow and pride for me – both emotions to the point of causing my eyes to well.
Let it do the same for you. And give others the opportunity to feel both, as well.
To our troops at home and away – and most importantly – to those who have lost loved ones in battle, Happy Memorial Day. We remember.
INTERVIEWING: Build Rapport by Reflecting
This works because people tend to like those who are like themselves.
Used in moderation, this is a proven, effective rapport builder. Overused, and the results will be comical. At least to the hiring manager. For the job seeker? Not so much.
IN THE CARAVAN: Reflect the hiring manager’s facial and physical positions, but in moderation.
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