Motivational Monday

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Happy Monday and the beginning of a new week. Who will you inspire today?

Happy Birthday

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Hello! Hello! Today is a pretty special day for me - It's my birthday! It's a weekday and running your own business means that you have to make some sacrifices, so I'm still working over here at the home office.. I'm working to bring you some great posts in the future, and working to connect great people with great jobs (of course) Today however, I would like to share a few fun facts and maybe some things that you might not know about me.

Let's bring you a little closer to knowing who I am.. because, wouldn't you want to know a little bit more about the person whom you're entrusting with matching you to your next job? My daughter has asked me a few questions to share with you, so  here they are:

1. Which Birthday was your most memorable and why?

Wow this is a tough one. My 30th was great, my coworkers planned the day at work, decorated my office, gave me a 3' light up alien (inside joke: our lake house is #51 so we call it "area 51" the alien we named Roswell) I even had my own rocking chair at a table at lunch! My 50th was also a memorable one as I celebrated with my husband, daughter and niece in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Such a relaxing time on the beautiful beaches. I am so blessed each year! Bring on another!

2. You and your husband have two family dogs, what are they're names and what breed are they?

Zoie is our rescue dog from TN. She is a mix of Border Terrier and Chihuahua. She's 4 years old, 9lbs. and she's the scruffy black and gray one in my about me picture!

Cody is the white one, he's a mix as well. We were told he's Chihuahua and pomeranian, but the pom could also be Papion - Who knows! He's adorable! He's 3 years old and about 12lbs. he may be the dominant one but Zoie sure can put him in his place!

3. Coffee is a staple in your every household, how do you drink your coffee in the mornings?

I recently within the past year started drinking my coffee black.  I used to drink it with milk and sugar but with the changing to healthy eating, I've switched to black and am happy about it! It also makes it a lot easier when traveling and I don't have to worry about someone mixing it wrong.

4. What is your favorite book and why would you recommend it to someone?

I'm more of a movie buff than a reader but there's always a few good ones:

The Street Lawyer by John Grisham - I love his style and the book is just enough mystery you won't want to put it down!

The Harry Potter Series - Because who doesn't love them? I'm a kid at heart!

Anything written by Nicholas Sparks - He fills his books (and movies) with just enough romance and mystery too keep you reading!

5. Is there a movie you are looking forward to seeing soon?

I actually have 3 I would like to see... The November Man, The Hundred Foot Journey, & And So It Goes. They all look so good I can't decide!

6. Where is your favorite place you have traveled?

We took a cruise to the Carribbean as a family a few years back. I absolutely love St. Thomas - very cool place to visit. It's definitely a tie with Hawaii.

7. Share with us one pro and one con about working from home?

One pro is I get so much more done during the day. Commuting used to take up a good hour each way. One con is not seeing and interacting in person with other people each day. 

8. What are 3 things you can't live without?

My family, My dogs, and food!

9. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would your next vacation be?

This is a tough one, I have always wanted to travel the U.S. but I've always wanted to go to Australia too!

10. Since it's your birthday, what is your favorite dessert?

Chocolate cake and ice-cream. I'm a real traditional person and I love my chocolate!

Stay tuned for more great posts to come!! Have a great day!

Motivational Monday: Last day of Summer

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Happy Monday! The sun is smiling on us here in New England! I can't believe today is the last day of Summer, can you? Everything may be turning to fall today, pumpkin drinks are out at the local coffee shops, the leaves will begin to change soon - But don't let the fact that summer is over get you down! Fall is in the air and the sun is still shining each day! What's your motivation into the fall season? Keep Smiling!!

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Let's Do This: The Phone Screen

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Congratulations, you've made it to the Phone Screen phase.  Now what?  The phone screen is designed to eliminate candidates from the process based on specific criteria the company has created for the position: skills, phone skills, cultural fit, to name a few.

You may be called without an appointment. 

• Be professional when answering
• If they get your voicemail - Be sure you have a greeting so they know they've reached you
• Call back as soon as you can!

You may receive an email to schedule a time to speak.  

• Respond promptly
• Thank them for reaching out to you
• Let them know your availability - give them more than one day and time.

Each company has their own process and interview style.  Some do it better than others, and some are just as nervous as you are!  So what types of styles am I referring to?

• Behavioral:  Past behaviors - "Tell me about a time when you..."
• Situational:  What would you do  - "Tell me what you would do if..."
• Conversational:  Casual Conversation - Getting to know you through a conversation
• Structured:  Probing Questions - Asking lots of questions of you to see how you answer

Here are a few tips to help you prepare for that first call.

• Put the call on your calendar 
• Pick-up when they call - nothing worse than missing a scheduled call
• Be in a place where you can talk, without distractions
• Research the company to find out:
• What they do - products they make, sell, the industry
• Who works there
• Look up the company on LinkedIn to see who works there
• Some have a "Jobs Page" on LinkedIn to show their culture
• Whose the management team
• Why did you apply?
• Why do you want to work there?
• Prepare your answer - But don't be "canned", be natural, and sincere
• What can you bring to the table to help them succeed?
• Give examples of other accomplishments that match their needs
• Show your commitment, work ethic, integrity, and passion for what you do!
• Practice not using "Fillers".  
• Fillers are using words like "um", "ah", "like", "you know". 

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Relax, Breath, Be yourself!  You CAN DO THIS!

Motivational Monday

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Happy Monday! Today is about making things happen! We're following our friendly (and determined) critter the mouse today for our dose of motivation! What's your motivation to make it happen every week?

Let's Do This: Are you Prepared?

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Ok so you're ready to start your job search, but are you prepared for the process ahead?  

The job search process can be a lengthy and time consuming process.  Gone are the days when you have one interview and you're hired.  In today's world, the process can have many steps.  As you enter your job search I thought it would be helpful to share some of the most common steps in the interview process, along with some Tips & Tricks to help you be more prepared as you venture through the process to landing your next job.

Here is a list of the most common steps in the interview process which I will breakout into a series of blogs (which I have dubbed 'Let's Do This'....insert fist emoji here) over the course of the next couple of weeks. So here's the low down, and don't forget to keep an eye out for the next posts titled 'Let's Do This' and you'll be right on track to score that job!

• Applying  
• Screening Interviews
• Phone Interviews
• In Person Interviews
• Verbal Offer
• Written Offer

Applying:

It's important to identify the types of jobs you want to apply to and the type of company you want to work for.  Do your research to learn about the job and environment of the company before applying so you can customize a cover letter so you stand out.

That's right a Cover Letter!  Most companies expect to see one.  The goal of a cover letter is to gain their attention.  Make it stand out!  Get right to the point -  Highlight your qualifications and objective in the first sentence. Give them a snapshot of your skills by having a bullet-point list of relevant qualifications and accomplishments. Preface it with “Representative skills that make my background ideal for this position are…"

Keep it short and to the point, after all they will read your resume next.

ASK for the interview.  In the last paragraph say something like, "I look forward to learning more about (insert company name) needs and how my qualifications and experience can best be leveraged to meet those needs.  Please contact me at your earliest convenience to set up an interview." 

Thank them in a closing statement such as:  "Thank you for taking the time to review my cover letter and resume.  I look forward to hearing from you soon.".

Be sure all your contact information is on your resume and cover letter.  Proof read your cover letter and resume to ensure no errors.

SEND... and the waiting game begins.  

It could take up to a couple of weeks before you hear anything.  Be patient.  If you don't hear from anyone in 7-10 days, and the job posting doesn't state "do not call", give the Human Resources department a call to make sure your application was received, and find out the status of it.  Open the call with "Thank you for taking my call, is this a good time to speak?  I just wanted to check on the status of my application." 

Some job sites don't allow for a cover letter - when this happens, Save your cover letter as part of your resume document.  

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Do you have tips for a successful cover letter?  We would love to hear how you stand out! Stay tuned for the next 'Lets Do This Post' ... The Phone Screen.

Motivational Monday

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Happy Monday!  Yes that's right, I said Monday!  I know you want to crawl back into your comfy bed and sleep for a few more hours - me too,  but you have to get up and get to work or class.

Well if you are like me you need a little boost to get the day going.   Here are a few of my favorite quotes to keep me motivated and moving throughout the day.

• Life is like riding a bicycle.  To keep your balance you must keep moving. -Albert Einstein
• Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. -Helen Keller
• Do or do not.  There is no try. - Yoda
• He who hesitates is lost. - Proverb

Whatever it is you have to do today, get out there and make it happen! Now who's ready to take on Monday?

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College Career Fairs

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So your fall college career fair is coming up and you're not sure if you should go, what to bring, what to wear or what to expect.

Career Fairs are a great opportunity to present yourself to potential employers.  The cool thing is they come to you!  There will be upwards of 50+ businesses that are hiring New College Grads all vying for your attention.

So, where do you start?

1.  Do your research

• Your college will have a directory of represented businesses with a short profile of who they are and what positions are open.  This gives you the ability to research them prior to the fair, so you can pick and choose who you want to present yourself to.  
• Go to their websites and see who they are.  Most businesses have a "What's it like to work here" section on their website.  Check it out to learn more about their culture!

2.  What to Wear

• Dressed to Impress!  Based on the position you are applying for you should wear:
• Guys -  a suit and tie, dress slacks and nice button down shirt with or without a sport coat.
• Ladies - a dress suit, dress with blazer, dress slacks with a dressy blouse.

• What NOT to wear:
• Jeans, shorts, T-Shirt and sneakers or flip flops.

• First impressions say a lot about someone - you want to be remembered for the Good, not the Bad!

3.  What to Bring

• Your Resume  
• Make enough copies to pass out.
• Customize a Cover Letter:
• If you have done your research on each company, customize your Cover Letter to each company you want to speak with.  Put it in an envelope specific to them.
• Why are you interested in their company
• Why you would be a good fit for the position
• ASK for the interview - Let them know your availability for an onsite interview.
• Electronic Profile?
• If you have your resume and profile out on LinkedIn or a personal website, you can present a Contact Card directing them where they can find your resume and other information about yourself.

4.  What to Expect

Have a Plan and stick to it!

• It's going to be a mad house.  Lots of companies, people, and noise.  Don't let that scare you and don't give up!  

5.  Leave a lasting Impression!

• You will have limited time to IMPRESS - so prepare your "Elevator Pitch"/"2 Minute Commercial" about YOU!
• You want to stick out in their minds and be rememberable!  (In a Good Way)
• Firm Handshake!
• Be sure to shake the hands of each and every person you speak with when you introduce yourself, and when you leave!
• Speak Clearly and Concisely - Be Confident!
• Thank them for their time and let them know you look forward to hearing from them to schedule an interview.

In the end - Relax, be yourself and have fun!  

This is your future!

New Beginnings

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New Beginnings can be scary.  Many times I have said, I will work for myself some day.   Well today is the official kick-off of my new business venture.  Am I nervous, scared, you betcha!  However, I know I am good at what I do, I've been doing it for over 25 years.  I don't have all the answers and yes I have and will make mistakes, but that's part of the learning process.  NEVER STOP LEARNING!  

It's all about choices and for me it was time!  I love what I do, I am passionate about helping others, whether it be a business dealing with an HR Challenge, or a candidate searching for their first ever or next position.

It's time to practice what I have preached to my daughter all these years:   Reach for the Stars - Dream Big!  Do what you Love, Love what you do!

For those of you looking for a job visit my website at www.connexiohr.com Jobs page to view my postings.

If you are looking for assistance on the HR side of your business, check out my website or email me to see how we can help.

ConnexioHR is my passion!  I look forward to connecting with you, and helping you Get Connected!