Keppie Careers

Social media speaker, social media consultant, job search coach

The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs – A Review

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PresentationSecretsofSteveJobs4173s6m5hNL._SL160_I have said it before, and it is worth saying it again…

If you asked me, “What is the single most important skill a job seeking candidate can have?,” I would initially probably respond along the lines of, “It depends on the job!” However, upon further thought, I might also reply, “Being a strong communicator is an underlying key skill for any job seeker.”

I’ve written about the importance of “soft skills” or “emotional intelligence.” Some business schools are incorporating classes to teach communication and leadership skills, as they are so important in the workplace. Let’s face it – if you have trouble communicating, you are likely to have trouble getting along with colleagues, persuading others to agree with you and succeeding in most workplaces.

Communication skills extend beyond being able to negotiate a one-on-one conversation. Often, being able to present in front of an audience is the key differentiating skill that makes the difference between getting the job and coming in second place.

The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs – How to Be Insanely Great in Front of Any Audience, by Carmine Gallo, promises to teach anyone how to successfully present their ideas. The author explains Jobs’ approach to a classic argument (p. 13):

  1. Deliver a story or statment that arouses the audience’s interest
  2. Post a problem or question that has to be solved or answered.
  3. Offer a solution to the problem you raised.
  4. Describe specific benefits for adopting the course of action set forth in your solution.
  5. State a call to action.

In the book, he continues to explain exactly how to go about making that happen. With specifics that include everything from offering the variety that the brain craves (p. 129) to techniques to improve body language (p. 170). He explains how to toss the script (p. 202) AND how to use notes when you must (p. 204).

Carmine maps out how to become a better presenter, using a well-known master presenter’s methods as a guide. I enjoyed his book and believe that everyone who needs (or wants) to present better (and who doesn’t need to present better) can learn something important and useful.

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I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

Girl On Top – A Review

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GirlOnTopsp_image-2-1247609964Nicole Williams is not the first one to compare career planning to the dating game. In fact, I reviewed Shawn Graham’s Courting Your Career, which applies dating lessons to job hunting and offers a lot of very useful tips and advice. (First and foremost – don’t be desperate!)

Williams’ Girl On Top takes a different approach to the topic. Her book is a sassy, fun and funny collection of advice and strategies for women to consider as they manage their own career paths. As a big fan of what I call “driving your own career bus,” I really enjoyed this book. I think it is written in just the right irreverent tone that will appeal to careerists who don’t think they need a career advice book.

Some advice you probably won’t find in other career books? Nicole’s chapter on “don’t bash your ex” (or your old boss) really resonated with me. But, she goes the extra mile and reminds readers “Don’t Bash….You” (p. 59). In an era of “personal branding” and online vetting, it is more important than ever to control your own image – and your own story.

Nicole notes these things that you should never say about yourself:

I’m tired. Nicole explains, “Tired is a weakness.” It’s true – no one at work really cares that you are tired. Talk about something else!

I’m bored. I hope you already know better than to tell people you are bored at work. (Or to update your Facebook status to say so.) Nicole suggests that you find something to do. Before someone finds something for you to do. (Or shows you the door!)

I’m fat. This isn’t a subject I discuss here very often, but saying self-deprecating things (or hoping that someone will disagree) is not good office banter.

I’m stupid. Nicole says, “You are if you call it out” (p. 60). She suggests, “Focus on what you do know and arm yourself with the tools you need to compensate…” (60). So true! If you are not your own #1 fan, you might as well pack it in now. This is not to say that you need to carry on about how brilliant you are (actions speak louder than words), but don’t make a habit of self-degrading. It will not win friends or influence people (at least not in the ways that you want).

Learn about how to make these and many other unwritten rules work for you. In your personal life AND in your career – and wind up on top!

How do you stay on top in the career world? Share in the comments!

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I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching? If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a  fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

Holiday networking tips and advice

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network.pic.2048034334_22b098c829_mIt’s hard to believe, but I have not finished sharing the great ideas my colleagues shared for my holiday networking for job seekers series!

Sandra Naiman, author of The High Achiever’s Secret Codebook: The Unwritten Rules for Success at Work (JIST, 2009) [read my review HERE] echos the sentiment that the “holiday season is a great time to enlarge and reactivate your network.  That is not to say that you ask people if they have or know of a job; however social networking sites, letters and cards are a great way to get back on people’s radar screen.”

She suggests that you create inexpensive ways to bring people together at your house – such as a cookie baking party where everyone cooks and shares cookies and candies with everyone else. “Again, your objective is to connect with as many people as possible and create opportunities for follow up, where appropriate, after the holidays.”

A fun idea – host your own party!

Another author, Richard S. Deems, who wrote, Make Job Loss Work For You (Jist 2010) with his daughter, Terri Deems, suggests job seekers move their focus to direct (in-person) networking during the holidays to take advantage of the generally good mood. Richard reminds us how important it is to follow up, which is key!

Jeff Lipschultz, a founding partner of A-List Solutions, a premier recruiting firm, brings great advice from the “other side of the hiring desk.” I “met” Jeff on Twitter, and I encourage you to follow him @jlipschultz for terrific job hunting tweets and advice! I also highly recommend his blog.  He is also a featured writer on www.job-hunt.org.  Jeff adds:

“The employment world at the end of the year is an unusual situation. Sure, it’s the holiday season and there are many vacations and last minute goals to achieve for the year.  But, it is also a prime time to be interviewing.  Many companies still need to fill a spot on the team that was budgeted this year.  Other companies have a little more time to wedge in some interviews.  Some budgets for 2010 are already set or close.  Which means, some hiring managers already know their January job hires and may get a jump start on the search to grab the best talents available ahead of other companies.  They’re anticipating  the start date of any hire being in January.

Candidates who are actively pursuing open jobs during this time frame should stand out as serious candidates.  Keep the search alive during the holiday season!”

Finally, my friend Ellen Sautter, a senior career management consultant with Right Management and co-author with Diane Crompton of Seven Days to Online Networking (Jist 2008) [read my review HERE], brings her unique perspective as someone working at a large outplacement firm with many job seekers shares some good news!

We see the job market picking up right now.  Many of our candidates are landing new positions and certainly getting more ‘traction’ in the market than earlier this year.  With companies starting to loosen the purse strings, we would advise job seekers to stay engaged and attentive…..while of course taking some time for fun and family activities to maintain ‘balance.’

She reminds us that:

Hiring is not as predictable as it used to be.  There are no weeks / months / periods when companies stop recruiting and screening candidates. New jobs are posted all the time; and interviews are scheduled and offers are extended during all weeks of the year.

So, good news for job seekers. I hope you are totally convinced that prepping your pitch and going to holiday parties with a positive attitude is the best job search strategy! Tomorrow, one final thought to close our series. FEEL FREE TO SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES WITH HOLIDAY JOB SEARCH IN THE COMMENTS!

Be sure to take a look at all the great advice from my colleagues:

Part 1 – My suggestions and a free ebook offer

Part 2 – Walter Akana – Take care of yourself

Part 3 – Anita Bruzzese – Stay ahead of the crowd

Part 4 – Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter – Unplug and embrace rest

Part 5 – Wendy Enelow – Ideas for employed and unemployed job seekers

Part 6 – GL Hoffman – Use time to research and prepare

Part 7 – Meghan M. Biro – Use the holidays as a time for self assessment

Part 8 – Craig Fisher – Recruiters don’t ease up during the holidays – neither should you

Part 9 – Ronnie Ann – Take advantage of other peoples’ resolutions

Part 10 – Alison Doyle and Andrea Santiago – Use parties and festive occasions to fuel your job search

Part 11 – Sharlyn Lauby – Take your job search social

Part 12 – Karla Porter – Be in it to win it

Part 13 – Lisa Caldas Kappesser – Use emotional intelligence to overcome job search hurdles

Part 14 – 4 tips for effective networking follow up for the holidays and the rest of the year

I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

image by Nimages

Use emotional intelligence to overcome job search hurdles during holidays

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robot2458233987_5f5951a48e_mI hope you have been following the recent blogging series with great advice from my colleagues in various sectors of the “careers” industry. (See the links at the end of this post.) Today, I have a contribution from Lisa Caldas Kappesser, author of The Smart New Way to Get Hired: Use Emotional Intelligence and Land the Right Job.

I think emotional intelligence is one of the most overlooked factors in job seeking and have written about “soft skills” several times. (Follow THIS LINK to learn more about soft skills/emotional intelligence.)

Lisa’s thoughts on the question of job searching during the holidays:

The holidays are a joyous time for many people, but for those who are out of work and looking for a job, it may not feel like such a joyous time.

Losing a job is one of the top five most stressful life events and it is filled with many emotions such as sadness, anger, frustration and worry.  Losing a job impacts family budgets and plans, and everyone in the family is affected by such an event.

Being out of a job over the holidays adds to this stress.  Buying presents and food for meals and parties can be very draining on budgets.  Parents and children also have to cope with the reality of how it will affect their holiday spending and plans.  An airplane trip to visit grandma may be out of the picture this year.

So how do you get through this tough time and stay productive in your job search?

Well it begins with awareness of your emotions and managing them effectively.
Emotional intelligence is “the capacity for recognizing our own feelings and those of others, for motivating ourselves, and for managing emotions well in ourselves and others” (Daniel Goleman, Emotional Intelligence, 1995).  It entails four skill areas: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and social skills that, when used together effectively, can bring about your desired impact or outcome.

The good news is that everyone has these skills to some degree but they can be further developed to increase one’s effectiveness in reaching goals. I see emotional intelligence as a tool that one can use to be more successful in their job search.

Being aware of your feelings is the first step. Reflect on the bodily signs and label what you are feeling, for example, angry or worried.  Vent your feelings in healthy ways through talking, writing or exercising. These feelings are natural and normal. Next, reflect on your thoughts.  Thoughts drive emotions. Are you thinking negative or pessimistic thoughts? If so, this can lead to can lead to unproductive behavior.

Being emotionally intelligent is about challenging and changing your negative thoughts and making them realistic and positive.  This will in turn drive positive behaviors and create energy.   If you are constantly worrying about getting a job because you are telling yourself there are not enough jobs to go around, or you don’t have the education needed to get a job, you will feel increasingly worried, hopeless and sad.  Feeling this way can lead you to procrastinate, sleep more or avoid job search tasks which work against your ultimate goal of finding a job.  The reality is that it is a difficult time. However, there are jobs available.

Turnover is a part of life.  The reality is that the job market is very competitive.  You should do all that you can to stay in the running for that position that you are interested in.  If you feel education is a factor, start taking a class or certification course.

Keep a sense of humor.  Remember to keep things in perspective.  Embrace changes by expecting them and use your energy to problem solve and adapt rather than to fight or complain.  When faced with difficult situation, ask yourself three questions:

1. What do I have control over?

2. What don’t I have control over?

3. What can I do?

The answer always comes back to the fact that you have control over yourself and how you adapt and deal with the situation. You have no control over others or the economy.  You can influence others and organizations but you can not control or change them.  So use your energy and manage yourself. Influence what you can and you will feel better and in turn have more energy and motivation.

Communicate with your families regarding the situation  as well as the plan. Remember, everyone may experience the situation a little differently.  Try to see things from others’ perspectives and be respectful and caring.  This will go a long way.  Working together as a team through the changes and tough times can bring families closer together.

Lisa Kappesser is president of EQ Coaching Solutions. She develops and facilitates emotional intelligence programs for organizations to improve teamwork and enhance leadership.

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Be sure to take a look at all the great advice from my colleagues:

Part 1 – My suggestions and a free ebook offer

Part 2 – Walter Akana – Take care of yourself

Part 3 – Anita Bruzzese – Stay ahead of the crowd

Part 4 – Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter – Unplug and embrace rest

Part 5 – Wendy Enelow – Ideas for employed and unemployed job seekers

Part 6 – GL Hoffman – Use time to research and prepare

Part 7 – Meghan M. Biro – Use the holidays as a time for self assessment

Part 8 – Craig Fisher – Recruiters don’t ease up during the holidays – neither should you

Part 9 – Ronnie Ann – Take advantage of other peoples’ resolutions

Part 10 – Alison Doyle and Andrea Santiago – Use parties and festive occassions to fuel your job search

Part 11 – Sharlyn Lauby – Take your job search social

Part 12 – Karla Porter – Be in it to win it

I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

photo by donsolo

Be in it to win it – job hunting during the holidays

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holidaygift2080895858_0fd6ba8a88_mKarla Porter is Director of Workforce Development and Human Resources for a mid-size metro area economic development agency in PA. (Be sure to click on her name to learn more about Karla. It sounds like she has an awesome job!) In any case, I “met” Karla via Twitter and enjoy her blog, so I was happy that she responded to my invitation to participate in my advice for the holidays series by offering to share this post from her blog:

Last year, on December 23rd,  I called an applicant to invite her for an interview. She cried. She told me I didn’t know what it meant to her to receive my call, the best Christmas present she ever could have gotten. Then I got all choked up…… She thought it was impossible to get an interview during the holidays.

She lost her job 2 months earlier and since then had spent countless hours scouring job boards, employment websites and submitting resumes. Mine was the first call she had received. She was amazed the call had come within minutes of clicking the submit button.

I’m blogging this to let you know to not relinquish your job search because it is a certain season. Employers have year round needs and opportunity. We may take a little time to decorate, eat cookies and take a few days off but we still need to conduct business and meet our goals to accomplish our mission.

If you are unemployed you can’t afford to “take a vacation” from your job search. You must be relentless. Rise each morning as if you are going to work and then go to work on finding opportunity that matches your skills and employment goals.

Treat your job search as a full-time job!

When you find yourself becoming discouraged, remember that when you are depressed and down on yourself it shows and it could impact your interview. Think of your job search for what it is… you are marketing your skills and yourself as a product for prospective employers to lease. That’s right, an employer leases your time and talent! Make yourself as marketable as possible, showcasing your talents. An employer must feel that if they do not hire you they will be losing out.

If you fear rejection think about it this way.. In sales it can take 10 “no’s” to get a “yes.” You might get the yes the first or tenth time you ask for the sale, you can’t predict. Each “no” you get brings you closer to the “yes!” To be effective, you need to be steadfast and approach each potential customer with the same confidence and presentation – because that could be your sale. If you waiver, become doubtful, skip a step or lack thoroughness you could jeopardize the sale.

A job search is no different!

The key to a successful job search is to remain steadfast and remain consistent in your approach.

  • Treat each opportunity as if it will be a a “yes” and know that each “no” will only bring you closer to your new employment.
  • Present yourself to each employment opportunity as if it were the only opportunity. It will keep you sharp and make you work hard to win it.
  • Prepare for each opportunity by researching each company you apply to then target your resume for that particular job. It’s time consuming but it will stand out from the mass template submissions employers receive. Invest the same time and energy in your resume as you would if you were on the job and being paid to create an important presentation or report.
  • If you have anything less than a professional sounding email address create a new account such as [email protected]. Whimsical, cutesy, goth, TMI, sexual in nature, etc., type email addresses are simply inappropriate. After all, at least in my inbox the first thing I see, my first impression of a candidate, is their email address.

The key is to maintain a consistent professional image from A to Z

Keep a spreadsheet for (or jot in a notebook) the positions you have applied to. Include the company, contact, phone number, email address and date submitted.

Follow up with a call or email a few days later to ask if you are being considered a candidate. If the answer is no, ask for feedback on why. Don’t be afraid to ask – It will help you understand employer and industry needs and help you refine and target your search to match your skills. Thank the Recruiter for taking the time to provide you with valuable feedback and ask to be considered in the future for positions that match your qualifications. If a Recruiter has been particularly helpful it can’t hurt to follow up with a brief thank you email or note.

Start answering your phone in a professional way. “Hello, this is Sam” is a good greeting. Answering with “Yeah, who is this?” is less than impressive to a potential employer.

When a potential employer calls understand that is the first step in the interview process. That call is a phone screen. Put a mental “suit” on and conduct yourself professionally as if you were in a face-to-face interview.

If you are invited to interview in person ensure you arrive 10 minutes early. If you are not familiar with the location do a dry run. The day of the interview is not the day to get lost. Use that 10 minutes to psych yourself up for the interview and envision the job offer.

Dress, speak and act like the position you aspire to. One step up from the position you are interviewing for is a good guideline. Put on your best clothing and grammar (without gum in your mouth, of course), hold your head high and pretend you are the leading role in a movie. Be self-conscious of your posture and body language. Try really hard to have good eye contact.

Listen carefully to the interviewer’s instructions and questions. Focus and answer appropriately. Don’t deviate from the questions and do not offer up personal information. Remember it is a job interview and keep your comments to your skills, abilities and talents in regard to the position you are interviewing for. Arrive prepared to discuss examples of your performance, teamwork and people skills at prior places of employment.

Let the interviewer know you have done your research. Ask questions to show you are interested and engaged. If you don’t know what to ask some possibilities are about the number of employees and/or locations, what is a typical day like for a person in the position, examples of employee recognition, etc.

Thank the interviewer and offer a handshake. If you are still interested in the company at the end of the interview tell the interviewer. Something like, “I am very interested in this position, more so now after the interview and meeting you.” Ask for a business card and send a follow-up thank you email as soon as possible.

Be sure to take a look at all the great advice from my colleagues:

Part 1 – My suggestions and a free ebook offer

Part 2 – Walter Akana – Take care of yourself

Part 3 – Anita Bruzzese – Stay ahead of the crowd

Part 4 – Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter – Unplug and embrace rest

Part 5 – Wendy Enelow – Ideas for employed and unemployed job seekers

Part 6 – GL Hoffman – Use time to research and prepare

Part 7 – Meghan M. Biro – Use the holidays as a time for self assessment

Part 8 – Craig Fisher – Recruiters don’t ease up during the holidays – neither should you

Part 9 – Ronnie Ann – Take advantage of other peoples’ resolutions

Part 10 – Alison Doyle and Andrea Santiago – Use parties and festive occassions to fuel your job search

Part 11 – Sharlyn Lauby – Take your job search social

I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

photo by mysza