Did you see the sun?

Here it is, the end of March. We've seen some rain and sun and even a little snow this winter. What kind of weather makes you jubilant and happy? For many it is the sun and for others it may be rain or snow etc.
The question comes down to enjoying what you like when it appears and continuing your life when it isn't what you want. For if you love the sun and it becomes overcast or rainy we know it will change, just a matter of waiting.

When you are in your search for your next opportunity and it seems all you hear is "NO" remember that as you make the necessary changes, to yourself, and be persistent you will find success.

Age discrimination

Is there any age discrimination out there? Well Duh! The question is does it affect you? Many will say it does and it certainly feels that way. My first question is: If they are practicing age discrimination would you really want to work there? Then we get into all the discussion about it is against the law etc, to which I totally agree.
My original question should stand out to you and if you decide you wouldn't want to work there you are on the right track. Why you ask? Because if they really are discriminatory you will find they do other dumb things and you wouldn't be happy there. It will only be a matter of time until they fade away because of poor business practices.
If you want to sue them the big question to me is how much time do you have that you can devote to the process, it isn't fast and can cost a lot.

Bottom line to me is I'd rather devote my time and energy moving on with my life and being productive. They will go by the wayside in just a matter of time.

Can you say NO?

In conversing with a fellow Toastmaster the topic came up about a perfect opportunity(job) except the sensing from the interviewer. The interviewer seems very negative about their current team and was looking to hire a new person. This interview-ee was apprehensive and even became more nervous and didn't know why. With further discussion they realized their nervousness may have been due to the interviewers negative attitude. All of a sudden they saw the potential that this could affect them later on. Ergo the nervousness was about that "intuitive" feeling.

We need to pay attention to our "selves" as it can give off great tips and information. Without listening to those feelings you may wind up being that person taking the position, because it fulfilled our original goal of becoming re-employed, yet the fit wasn't right.

Therefore sometimes we may have to say no to the offer.

Tax time coming close now

Sometimes it always seems too close. In addition to being one of those "to do" items on your list it is an item that never seems to go away.

So goes the job of finding ones next opportunity in their career. Finding that right spot takes time, just like being sure you don't overlook your deductions. Some of us can do our own taxes and submit them. The advertisements allude to getting more back when using a consultant, tax advisor.

Should you pay for a coach then, same as an advisor. If you can find the money it can be a great boon. Someone that will point out your options plus advise on how to make it easier. One of my pieces of advise is for people to take at least a week, and two is even better, off right after the change in employment status. To clear your mind, get new ideas and meet up with old friends.

As you begin preparing your taxes consider the possibility of utilizing a coach. Most will meet for a brief time to discuss what they will do for their compensation. Your job is to listen carefully and ask questions.

Happy tax time.

You've been doing well this winter?

So winter is coming to a close, you've been carrying on and are wondering when is this going to end. The stretch to the next opportunity seems to last way longer than we'd prefer. Yet we have to go through that until we perfect out story with a compelling vision. Have that sound of confidence so they feel our passion. Articulate well the reason we would be a great addition to their team.
Generally it takes us time to build to that point and it is necessary. It never gets perfect but the better we do the closer we get to results. Your goal this next week will be to build your sound of confidence. If you're not sure how then look up a local Toastmasters club and visit them.

Reticulation-2011

Have you been out reticulating? Some folks call it networking. The other night while at an event a professional sat down beside me and started up a conversation. The event had been open a little over an hour. We discussed the usuals then began talking about networking and the value of live networking over all other types. He felt live was far better and I agreed.

After a few minutes he got up and left. Said he had done all he could and didn't really have any luck. I felt so bad for him because he didn't realize how much he had missed. I sat and checked messages then went back into the crowd and actually met a few more folks then wound up having a long conversation with another about Toastmasters. They asked me.

What did I learn? Make that last trip through as you never know who you might run across. Someone else may have pointed you out, unknown to you, and as you pass through again you could be approached.

New direction in interviews

In this ever changing world we see changes to everything. A very long time ago the resume was introduced to assist companies in reducing the time it took to recruit and look over possible employees. We've also seen the evolution in resumes and cover letters. Next is/was the electronic media and now social media.

My observations tell me that interviewing is taking another growth step. Rather than the question and answer sessions and a brief outlay of why we are the ideal candidate there is a new level of expectation.

Those that are able to research the company and put together a plan of possible action are seen as more desirable and better asset to the company. Of course this includes interviewing so one can decipher exactly what the company needs. As you put together your plan of action you can combine it with the last minute info you retrieve. Then as you are talking you can slip in ideas and a plan of action. This makes you stand out from the run of the mill "applicant".

Your ability to think quick, listen and interview well makes you much more successful.

Smarter than the average bear

Are you smarter than the average bear? If you are reading this you most likely are. What does being smart have to do with finding the next opportunity out there? Success my friend!


When you put in the effort and research you are more successful faster. Yet that time span seems to still feel too long. Anxiety can do that. Many times the questions are far more important than the answers. Besides getting out there and networking and meeting people your time online needs to contain a lot of research about the companies you have targeted or others have lead you too.

Remember to Have fun, Meet people and Learn something.