God bless you.

              For the past few weeks, I have been suffering with my allergies.  My eyes are red, swollen, and tear.  I can hardly talk.  I cough, sneeze and have a headache.  This year is really bad and my normal medication has proven to be not very effective.  What does this have to do with job seeking? 

              Well consider the following.  Having severe allergies impacts every aspect of the job interview.   My ability to communicate is has been compromised by not hearing clearly and having a sore throat.  My appearance is involved because my eyes are red, swollen and weeping.  Being a woman, this affects my self confidence because either I don't wear make-up or fear that I look like a vampire.  Coughing and sneezing during an interview can put off the most even the most laid back human resources personnel.  Being able to focus and think quickly could become an issue because the medication can leave me feeling drowsy and because I am not sleeping well.

               So, how can this situation be handled?   Taking over the counter medication could reduce symptoms but be aware of any side effects.  Depending on your reaction you could give the impression that you are under the influence.  This could be particular problematic is the interviewer isn't aware that you are taking medication for a cold.  Another concern would be demonstrating  your ability to operate machinery during the interview if this is requested because many over the counter medications impair your ability to focus.  If you think that you can get your condition under control within a day or two perhaps you could call and postpone your interview.  If your condition will be ongoing or if there is a limited window of opportunity to apply for the position then being direct could be the better option.  Tell the interviewer that you have allergies and your concerns regarding an in-person interview.  Offer options such as doing the interview by phone or skype.   Be aware that the questions regarding your ability to attend work due to health could be silently raised.  Assure the interviewer that this is a seasonal allergy by stating what triggers your symptoms and the steps that you take to avoid getting ill.  You could point out that the pollen level is rated unusually high and that attendance has not been an issue for you in the past.  Again, be able to substantiate that claim.

                Everyone is allergic to something! Everyone gets ill.  You could explain your situation and request their understanding during the interview and participate.  Request, the opportunity to take periodic breaks so that you can address your needs and wash your hands. Bring a Ziploc back for used tissues and  use a hand sanitizer after blowing your nose.  If you are like me and really bloooow your nose consider having nice dinner napkins rather than the standard size tissue in order to avoid having embarrassing leaks while blowing.  This behavior will indicate that you are conscientious about spreading germs to your co-workers.

                If your ability to communicate or concentrate have been compromised, ask the interviewer if you could provide more detailed answers by email within the next 24 hours.  If they agree to this request do not provide responses that indicate that you used the time for research. 

                Having a cold or  hay fever do not necessarily meet the criteria for a disability under the American with Disabilities Act.  Furthermore, you are not an employee nor have you been offered a position so again accommodations do not have to be  provided so be very polite and apologetic because you are asking a favor not a job accommodation or an EEO benefit.

                 But what is the table is turned and the interviewer is the person that is ill?  Be understanding and supportive but don't offer medical advice.  Try not make faces or look disgusted because this is rude.   Finally, assume that they might not be able to focus or remember the interview clearly so be certain to include something in your follow-up letter to help the interviewer be able to identify you.

Job Inteview 101

      Recently, a friend asked my advice about a job interview.  They were told that it was going to be a 'behavioral interview"  and did not know how to prepare for it.  I am going to share the answer to the question.

     Behavioral interviews and performance interviews are based on the job description and duties of the posted position.  They are designed to determine the best candidate for the position based on the psychological premise that past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior.  Because they are asking about specific, verifiable events, there is also the believe that the respondent will accurately describe their abilities, duties and outcome.  Since they are based on actual job duties, the potential employer reduces the possibility of being accused of bias or not obtaining enough information. 

     All jobs duties have the elements of quantity and quality.  In other words, how often are you expected to do something and how well you do it.  By asking behavioral questions, you are expected to address both issues.  Ideally, you should use an experience from previous employment however you can use any experience that is relevant. Structure your responses using the STAR format.  STAR stands for situation, task, action and results.  

• SITUATION - Answers the questions where did this occur (ie ACME Factory), when (ie., last year, at the annual marketing summit), why (ie potential loss of revenue due to new competition) who (presentation to company president by me).  State the relevance of the project to your company's or department's mission.
• TASK - Describes your assignment and role in the creating the solution to the problem.
• ACTION - What steps did you take to resolve the problem.  Make sure you use action words ie., developed, created, designed, that clearly indicate how you behaved. Include the number of people you supervised, duration of the project, the project budget so that the interviewer has a precise image of your work behavior.
• RESULTS - What was the outcome of your actions (ie., revenues increased by 10%, reached new target market).  If your results were not positive, then demonstrate that you analyzed the outcome and learned from this experience by stating why the plan was not successful and what would you do differently.  Since you are describing a situation in which you were the key player, do not blame someone else for failure because this implies you lack leadership skills and are not a good team player.  This is a good time to mention any award or recognitions that you received for your role in resolving this situation. 

     How should you prepare for this type of interview?  Carefully review the job description and determine the critical elements, (knowledge, skills and abilities) that are needed for the position.   Identify two or three situations for each element.  Consider the corporate culture and personal attributes that you would like to present and select the best examples.  Using the STAR format develop describe each example.  Finally, do mock interviews in order to be able to present yourself in a relaxed, organized manner.

If you would like some assistance with job interviewing skills, please contact me at chartingyourcoursewithcoaching@gmail.com.   

Welcome to the Post Employment Offer Zone.

     OK,  you got the job offer, did the fist pump, victory dance plus your friends and family are ready to buy you a few rounds of your favorite beverage.   Man are you psyched!  STOP THE PRESSES!  There are some really critical things that you need to do because you are now in the Post Employment Offer Zone.
     The Post Employment Offer Zone is the twilight zone of  the vocational world.  It is a shadowy place where things are not what they really seem to be.   First, are you certain that you received a job offer?  Is it in writing?  Many offers are made on the phone with paper work to follow.  Make sure that your new potential employer has your correct contact information.  This is particularly true if you are moving from your college dorm.    If using Email, you don't want this package to land in the Spam Box, so take the time to update your files.  Did you make your intentions clear by sending a thank you note for the offer?  Your thank you note does not have to say that you accepted the position.  It is a written acknowledgement on your part that an offer has been extended.
      What did you say when you received the offer?  If you have been on several interviews recently, you might want to ask for 24 hour grace period  before giving your decision because you could receive another offer.  It would be very bad form to decline a position after accepting it.  Use this time, to tactfully determine your standing with the companies with which you have interviewed and would to obtain employment. 
        You sold yourself to the company but has the company sold itself to you?  Do you know the details of the job?   What is your job title, duties, responsibilities, and work hours?  Does it include relocation, health benefits, life insurance, annual/vacation/sick leave, education, and parking?  What is your salary and is it  negotiable?  If it is, now is the time to act.  If you have more than one offer compare benefits but do not engage in a bidding war.  The world is small and you could loose both offers. Who is you supervisor and are they the same person as your boss?  Did you meet them during the interview?  If your supervisor and boss are not the same person, how will you be evaluated and what is their relationship?   What training will be provided, where will it be and how soon will you need to complete it?
        If this wasn't enough to consider, remember your status has changed under the Americans With Disabilities Act and other laws that protect employees.  The employer now has the right to request a medical and perform other background checks.  Many jobs offers are contingent upon the results of these findings.  Review the information that you provided to determine that is completely accurate in order to avoid any confusion.  Consult with staff at the local department of labor office in order to be clear of your responsibilities and rights. 
         The last but far from the least of your concerns is evaluating the offer.  The key is to performing a good evaluation is to follow your gut instincts.  You need to know how this position will fit into your career plans.  Having a good understanding your life style, values, and attitude, will let you know if you will fit into that corporate culture.  Look at their mission statement, policy and any other information that you can obtain.
       Once you make your decision don't burn any bridges behind you.  Give your current employer at least 2 weeks notice.  If you are currently unemployment benefits, let the appropriate person know and ask if there is any assistance available while you transition into your new position.  This is important because you might be entitled to funds to relocate, uniforms or other supplies.  Let agencies, career centers and job search engines know that you have obtained employment and with who.  You don't want career counselors contacting your new employer with potential candidates for your position, nor do you want your employer to get the impression that you are still seeking employment.        
      Now, you can celebrate!

So you want tell

      Last week, we discussed how employers could find out about you and briefly touched on how you disclose information about you without necessarily  knowing.  This is based on the concept of blind spots.  Imagine being a rectangular window that consists of four panes.  Each pane is different.  One is clear, two are blurry and provide a distorted image and the finally one is completely opaque.  This is because there are things that only you know about yourself, while most things both you and others know about you and there are somethings that no one knows. There is an old saying "If two people know something, then it is not a secret."  In the case of a job search, only the information that you alone know can you control being disclosed, everything else has to be managed.
     Confused?  Let's consider situations that fall in each category.  If you are unemployed, you and your previous employer will know the reasons for the discharge.  This is a clear pane.  Your co-workers may know or believe they know the reasons for your departure.  This is a blurry pane.   Suppose your employer needed to downsize and decided to discharge you.  You may never know all the reasons for their decision.  Again, this is a blurry pane.  If you decided to quit your job, only you know the reasons for that decision.  This is a clear pane.  Finally, you come to work and the doors are locked.  This is an opaque pane because you and others don't know the reasons for this action.  
       How do you get information about yourself?  Reviewing your personal journals are great sources of information and insight.  Tracking your activities over the course of a week or a month can provide you with some insights.  For example, if you log your activities at 30 minute intervals for a week, you will have a good idea on your activities and productivity.   Friends, family, and co-workers can provide some information.  Performance appraisals are sources of information from your supervisors.  Ask questions, on  how to improve your work performance and request information regarding your career ladder from your supervisor during your appraisal.   Perhaps you requested training or being assigned to a special project and your request was denied.  This presents an opportunity for you to ask for feedback from your supervisor.  Every so often, employees have the opportunity to participate in a '360' assessment.  This is a terrific way to gain some insights.  Things that are unknown to both you and other should be left alone while you pursue your goals.
     Comparing yourself with peers can let you know if you are on track or if there are gaps in your life.  This comparison can be tricky if your career path resulted in transversing a social class or if your are in an unique career.
      Disclosing information about yourself during the job interview requires skill.  The employer's questions are designed to get information about you, your skills and ability work in their environment.  Your goal is present yourself in a positive manner.  Disclosing negative information should not be done unless it is absolutely unavoidable.  This is usually when they ask a specific question ie have you ever been convicted of a felony.  You need to develop ways to minimize the impact of this information.  If you are friends with people that routinely do hiring then role play answering the question.  Your representative at Workforce should be able to provide suggestions.  There are job hunt clubs that specialize according to industry and clientele.  Find one that works with your issue and participate. 
     So if your believe you must tell,  take 5.  Make sure it is absolutely necessary to disclose.  Have your facts.  Make sure it is absolutely necessary to disclose.  Be absolutely certain that must disclose.  Present the information in a positive manner and move on.         

Is age a factor in your job search?

     Recently, I have heard several people complain that their age is a factor in their ability to obtain employment, climb the cooperate ladder or relate to their co-workers.  The usual retort is "you are only as old as you feel' or "age is just a number" however, these statements don't make you feel better.  An article in the The Huffington Post (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ dated 12-22-10) listed 21 obsolete items which included VCRs, Dial up Internet, CDs, landlines phones, and fax machines.  As a baby boomer, we remember when these items were the state of the art.  However, there are things that are now obsolete that will impact your job search. 
      Consider, your job search.  In the old days, everyone checked the classified ads in the Sunday paper.  Today, you go to craigslist, or the company's online job board.  You don't mail or fax your resume  but complete one online or email it to potential employers.  Researching potential employers required the use of the telephone book, encyclopedias, directories, and catalogs.  Today, a Google search can provide a wealth of information.  You could also do a blog search and  consult Face book.
       The intangible qualities (ie being organized, responsible) that everyone promoted and office skills (ie typing and the ability to use office equipment such as the  fax or copier) were standard questions.  These skills are obsolete.  Time management is automated because your smart phone has a calendar function that can integrate both your personal and business activities and provide you with reminders.  No reason to request directions to the office for the interview because you can rely on the negation function on your phone.  Your knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Power Point and Excel) are the skills of today.  So how do you disclose your age on your resume or in your cover letter?

1. Did you type or hand write it?  These are both No Nos! Please take a course at the local community college or State employment office to learn how to use a computer.
2. Did you mention any of the afore mentioned obsolete items ie fax machine?  
3. Check your spelling and vocabulary?  Terms, phrases, spelling have changed.  Are you using terminology that is obsolete or unique to your previous employer?  If you need help, ask a young person to proofread your letter and resume.  If they don't understand a term or phrase, most likely your interviewer will not either.
4.  Addresses:  Companies like people move.  Are you using an address, phone number or email address that is dated and no longer valid?  Take the time to confirm this information.  If the site you worked at is now closed ask them how should it be listed. 
5. Phone numbers and email address:  Your employer may not have physically moved but they might have relocated in cyber space.  Include the area code and check the number.  You may want to include the extension rather than have someone have to travel the menu tree.  Get the email address of previous employers.  
6. Position titles:  positions could be consolidated or renamed.  Should someone contact a previous employer, the new HR person might not be familiar with the title you held.  Ask them would is the current title and use it or explain the position in your cover letter. 

Thank you letters are not obsolete however, please email their thank you notes.  Don't waste time writing a letter.  Post your response immediately.  Remember to ask for the interviewer's business card so that you can have the correct address. 

How did they know that?

You have been on job interviews and they seem really interested in you but you don't get the offer. Ask yourself why?  There could be a number reasons that you don't get an offer.  Perhaps, they found a better candidate or they cancelled the position or did they find something in your background? 

You need to be very proactive when addressing information that potential employers could obtain.  First, what are your references, former employers and co-workers saying about you.  Secondly what is on the Internet about you.  Third, what does your credit rating say.  Finally, address the negativity.

Always contact your references so that they know who will be calling and inform them about the position being sought.  Determine if there is number and/or time that would be more suitable for them to be contacted.  Remember, if your reference does not seem professional the value of their endorsement will be reduced.  Remind them of situations that they can use to emphasize your character.  Confirm the contact number for previous employers and verify the type of information that they will provide.  Most HR departments will only confirm dates and positions held at a company.  This will not support your claims of being an outstanding employee so be able to document any statements you make to your potential employer about yourself.  Offer to provide this documentation when you do your thank you letter.  Be prepared to demonstrate your work history with awards, newspaper announcements, performance appraisals even tax statements (ie documenting bonuses)  but have documentation. There is an old saying "put your money where your mouth is"   If your credit rating is poor, your may not qualify for certain positions.  Address this issue by telling the potential employers the truth, your credit rating is at an all time low, due to your prolonged unemployment or illness and that you are working with your creditors to correct this situation.  You want the employer to know that you are a financially responsible individual.  "Keep your friends close but your enemies closer.' - if you had co-worker(s) that do not fall in the 'friend' category, you may want to know where they are currently working because they could be a source of negative information about you. Don't assume the supervisor or HR asked them for a reference because some haters just love to sling mud and will volunteer their opinion without solicitation.  Do everything possible to resolve your issues prior to the interview.  If this isn't possible then perhaps you might consider not working at that company. If you are a social butterfly, clean up your site(s), voice mail, and ask your friends to help you.  If there is something truly horrible about you on the Internet and you believe that it will be uncovered then you need to acknowledge it, confirm the validity of it, and notify potential employers of any legal action that you might be taking to correct the situation ie you were the victim of identity theft.  In the worst case scenario, blame it on the stupidity of being young but never blame your "friends" alcohol or drugs for poor judgement because this will say more about you than any picture.  Make sure that the interviewer knows that you have matured and you will enhance the company's image.

If you are positive that none these issues were factors, then request a post interview.  This should be done by your career coach or counselor from employment services not you.  The goal of this interview is to learn how to present yourself better for your next job interview.

If you would like help with your job seeking skills or need someone to make a post interview call for your, please call me for a free consultation.