The moose is the largest species in the elk family. And while their population has been largely reduced to the Alaska, Canada and Scandinavian regions, they are fighters - refusing to become extinct. They fall prey to wolves, bears...and humans. But, they are survivors....they continue to thrive. Though this is an interesting tidbit of information, MOOSE - in business - does not refer to the beautiful and unique relative of the deer.
A moose does possess certain qualities that can contribute to success (fighter of extinction), but you don't want someone to call you a moose, do you?
There are many ways you can measure an organization's or individual's success. You can use high-tech methods of analytics - measuring return on investments, bottom-line figures and the type of suit he/she wears. But, in order to become successful, an organization and its employees should apply the MOOSE philosophy.
M - Mission. Every organization and every human should have a mission. This mission outlines core values and sets the tone and direction in which you or your company strives to go. Without a clear-cut mission, goals and objectives are hard to define.
O - Objective(s). What is the goal that you are trying to reach? After the mission is decided, concrete objectives need to be outlined. Are these objectives attainable? Are they in line with your values and mission? Both companies and individuals alike need to be true to their mission when setting objectives, otherwise success will be harder to obtain.
O - Organization. If your thoughts and processes are not organized, streamlined and implemented in a way that is effective and efficient, you will spend more time spinning your wheels than getting work done. Needs assessment falls under organization. Do you have the right funding, the right staff, the right policies, the right course of action? Does everything flow in the right direction to meet and exceed your objectives?
S - Strategy. Once you have defined your mission, determined your objectives and developed organizational processes...it is time to develop your plan. How will you meet your objectives? I am a firm believer that a company can not succeed without a strategic business plan. Incorporated into that plan should be a comprehensive marketing plan which must include a detailed communications (internal and external) plan. These plans help you prepare for different scenarios (i.e. crisis, loss of revenue, new product/service expansion). Help your target audience, and the general public, understand and believe that you are better than your competition.
E - Energy. You can't sell yourself or your organization or your organization's products/services if you do not believe. Be excited and passionate about your mission, your objective, your organization and your strategic plan. Your energy will rub off on potential customers, clients, employers...friends. Your energy will attract people to you.
Everybody, every business, every organization....every species fights for their place in the world. Employing MOOSE will help you not only survive, but thrive. Like a moose.
Monica Stoneking
Friday, July 25, 2014
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Standing Out in an Over-Saturated Market
With the unemployment rate still hovering at 6.1 percent, it is no secret that finding and keeping a job is a difficult task. Add to that, companies are being asked to cut budgets, cut services and do more work with less resources. So what is an unemployed person to do? And what about those who are working two or three jobs to make ends meet? Or the over-qualified candidate busting his/her butt to keep an entry-level job?
Stand out. Make you and your talents known. Network. Follow up. Be available. Be knowledgeable. Be professional.
The advice that others give (notably those who are employed as recruiters, headhunters and HR executives) is to stand out, to get noticed. I am not an HR expert, but I have done my fair share of reviewing resumes, conducting interviews and extending offers to the chosen few. Nor am I a life coach, though I have given advice to many that has resulted in positive conclusions. However, I have to poke a hole in the HR philosophy to 'stand out' and put my life coach hat on: Don't just stand out, stand up.
Whether you are looking for a job or want to move up in your existing job, you have to prove that you are better than everyone else. No need to be cocky, just confident. Size up your 'competition' and figure out what you have to offer that would benefit an organization more than the other guy. Stand up and make those positive distinctions known. The jobs, the clients, the promotions don't just come to you - you have to stand up and get them.
We live in a time and culture where everyone has a Master's degree, a PhD or five degrees. Individuals are staying in the workforce longer (too afraid to retire), employers are streamlining their processes to eliminate redundancies and businesses are running with bare-boned staff to ensure that they operate in the black. So, how can YOU help their business?
Be creative. Showcase your portfolio. Go retro and send personal, handwritten, snail-mail notes. Be needed. Everyone is 'replaceable'. Make it harder for them to replace you. There is no need to be an Atlas...to take on all projects, but be involved in as many as you can so that you can take over if needed. Stand up and take on as much as you can without negatively affecting the work you do.
Be personable. Nobody wants to hire a negative Nellie. You could be the Steve Jobs of your field, but if you are not engaging or if you are prone to criticize (not constructively) or gossip instead of work....you will NOT land or keep a job.
You are at your best when you are you. Stand up and let employers know your value.
Sales professionals don't get clients to sign by blasting their competition or (shockingly) their own product or service. They don't sign clients who possess an air of arrogance and lack passion for the product or service they are selling. They sign because the representative was prepared, knowledgeable, professional, engaging and explained why their product/service "stands out". They stand up to stand out.
If you are interviewing for jobs - hang in there. Continue to stand up. The right job will come your way. If you have a job, stand up to stand out from the crowd. Prove yourself by being yourself. Work for a business or an individual who values YOU.
In this day and age, it isn't shocking anymore that the guy who is serving you at McDonald's probably has a PhD in economics. Do not lean on your degrees to get or maintain a job. Lean on your talents, your contacts, your family and friends. They can help you stand out in an over-saturated market. But only you can stand up and successfully land the job or promotion.
Stand out. Make you and your talents known. Network. Follow up. Be available. Be knowledgeable. Be professional.
The advice that others give (notably those who are employed as recruiters, headhunters and HR executives) is to stand out, to get noticed. I am not an HR expert, but I have done my fair share of reviewing resumes, conducting interviews and extending offers to the chosen few. Nor am I a life coach, though I have given advice to many that has resulted in positive conclusions. However, I have to poke a hole in the HR philosophy to 'stand out' and put my life coach hat on: Don't just stand out, stand up.
Whether you are looking for a job or want to move up in your existing job, you have to prove that you are better than everyone else. No need to be cocky, just confident. Size up your 'competition' and figure out what you have to offer that would benefit an organization more than the other guy. Stand up and make those positive distinctions known. The jobs, the clients, the promotions don't just come to you - you have to stand up and get them.
We live in a time and culture where everyone has a Master's degree, a PhD or five degrees. Individuals are staying in the workforce longer (too afraid to retire), employers are streamlining their processes to eliminate redundancies and businesses are running with bare-boned staff to ensure that they operate in the black. So, how can YOU help their business?
Be creative. Showcase your portfolio. Go retro and send personal, handwritten, snail-mail notes. Be needed. Everyone is 'replaceable'. Make it harder for them to replace you. There is no need to be an Atlas...to take on all projects, but be involved in as many as you can so that you can take over if needed. Stand up and take on as much as you can without negatively affecting the work you do.
Be personable. Nobody wants to hire a negative Nellie. You could be the Steve Jobs of your field, but if you are not engaging or if you are prone to criticize (not constructively) or gossip instead of work....you will NOT land or keep a job.
You are at your best when you are you. Stand up and let employers know your value.
Sales professionals don't get clients to sign by blasting their competition or (shockingly) their own product or service. They don't sign clients who possess an air of arrogance and lack passion for the product or service they are selling. They sign because the representative was prepared, knowledgeable, professional, engaging and explained why their product/service "stands out". They stand up to stand out.
If you are interviewing for jobs - hang in there. Continue to stand up. The right job will come your way. If you have a job, stand up to stand out from the crowd. Prove yourself by being yourself. Work for a business or an individual who values YOU.
In this day and age, it isn't shocking anymore that the guy who is serving you at McDonald's probably has a PhD in economics. Do not lean on your degrees to get or maintain a job. Lean on your talents, your contacts, your family and friends. They can help you stand out in an over-saturated market. But only you can stand up and successfully land the job or promotion.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Interview Process Etiquette - It's Not Just for Candidates
Though the unemployment rate 'improved' to 6.1 percent last month, more than 9.5 million Americans are still without work. While some may view this as a victory because there are 325,000 less people without work, the number still seeking a job is staggering. This means that employers are at an advantage. They have their pick of the litter.
More often than not, for every job posted, employers will see more than 100 applications come through. A candidate's job is to set themselves apart from the crowd. Highlight their strengths, customize their skill set and promote what they can bring to the job/business they are applying to. The employer's job is to weed out the ones who would not be a good fit and narrow the pool to qualified candidates.
Once a candidate has reached the interview stage - both candidate AND employer must and should engage in a game of professional etiquette. Unfortunately, many employers forget Manners 101 and treat their candidates like second class citizens. These employers should note that the majority of the candidates applying for a position within your organization are serious - they are treating finding a job as a full-time job and you should treat them with respect.
Rules for Candidates seeking a job:
1. Update your resume - customize it for the position and company
2. Provide examples of successes in your resume and cover letter
3. Be prepared for the interview - anticipate employer questions and prepare a list of questions
4. Make eye contact, be courteous, give a firm handshake at the end of the meeting
5. Ask when they expect to follow up or fill the position
6. Follow up with a thank you email and card to person you interviewed with (wait a day or two)
7. If you have not received a follow up from the employer within 10 days, follow up with a positive note
8. Continue applying for other jobs
Rules for Employers seeking a qualified candidate:
1. Be honest in your job posting - Title, Responsibilities, Pay
2. Be timely in your response to an applicant - even an automated email stating the application was received is better than nothing
3. Review all applications - do not just look at applications sent by contacts, family members, friends, referrals
4. Narrow your second interview to those who really stand a chance (they should have been thoroughly vetted in the first interview)
5. Be prepared for the interview - you are the boss - know what you want to ask the candidate and be prepared for questions the candidates may ask of you. Know the candidate's resume and qualifications. It is unprofessional to read the resume at the start of the interview.
6. Make eye contact, be courteous, give a firm handshake at the end of the meeting
7. Know when you will follow up and expect to fill the position
8. FOLLOW UP with the candidates you have interviewed
Number eight is crucially important. A candidate MUST not give up and should keep applying to jobs that fit their skill sets. An employer MUST follow up with candidates in which they felt were good enough to warrant an interview.
However, when a hiring manager or HR specialist DOES follow up, they need to understand that they are dealing with individuals who are anxious for work and will be disappointed and hard enough on themselves for not getting the job. You do NOT need to pour salt in the wound. My husband and I call these rejection letters FOAD letters and everyone has received one at some point in their lives. (FOAD stands for "F" Off And Die)
Real (positive)example of a FOAD letter: "Dear Ms. Stoneking, Thank you for your interest in X company. While your talents and skills are impressive, we have decided to go in another direction. Best of luck to you in your job search. Sincerely, HR Director"
Real (negative and unnecessary) example of a FOAD letter: "Dear Ms. Stoneking, Thank you for your interest in X Company. does not feel that you are a good fit for this company. You will not be moving to the next step in our interview process. Please visit our website for other opportunities."
First of all, I did not name the company in the second example because I exhibit professional courtesy. But, I believe if the hiring manager would have looked at my resume, he would have seen that I was overqualified which is why I was there as a consultant, not as an applicant. Second, if I wasn't a good fit for the company after speaking with them twice (as a consultant, remember) WHY would I want to (or would they want me to) look on their website for other opportunities?
Employers, you have an obligation to know the interview and hiring process. You have an obligation to employ interview process etiquette. If you are unsure of what that statement means, then I am unsure of how you got into the position you are in. One thing I am sure of is this: Candidates, if you do all of the things expected of you in the application and interview process, you WILL get the job you are meant to get eventually. If you are unemployed, keep at it. Looking for a job is a full-time job. And if you continue to exude professional courtesy, you will no longer be one of 9.5 million unemployed in America. You will just be one in a million!
More often than not, for every job posted, employers will see more than 100 applications come through. A candidate's job is to set themselves apart from the crowd. Highlight their strengths, customize their skill set and promote what they can bring to the job/business they are applying to. The employer's job is to weed out the ones who would not be a good fit and narrow the pool to qualified candidates.
Once a candidate has reached the interview stage - both candidate AND employer must and should engage in a game of professional etiquette. Unfortunately, many employers forget Manners 101 and treat their candidates like second class citizens. These employers should note that the majority of the candidates applying for a position within your organization are serious - they are treating finding a job as a full-time job and you should treat them with respect.
Rules for Candidates seeking a job:
1. Update your resume - customize it for the position and company
2. Provide examples of successes in your resume and cover letter
3. Be prepared for the interview - anticipate employer questions and prepare a list of questions
4. Make eye contact, be courteous, give a firm handshake at the end of the meeting
5. Ask when they expect to follow up or fill the position
6. Follow up with a thank you email and card to person you interviewed with (wait a day or two)
7. If you have not received a follow up from the employer within 10 days, follow up with a positive note
8. Continue applying for other jobs
Rules for Employers seeking a qualified candidate:
1. Be honest in your job posting - Title, Responsibilities, Pay
2. Be timely in your response to an applicant - even an automated email stating the application was received is better than nothing
3. Review all applications - do not just look at applications sent by contacts, family members, friends, referrals
4. Narrow your second interview to those who really stand a chance (they should have been thoroughly vetted in the first interview)
5. Be prepared for the interview - you are the boss - know what you want to ask the candidate and be prepared for questions the candidates may ask of you. Know the candidate's resume and qualifications. It is unprofessional to read the resume at the start of the interview.
6. Make eye contact, be courteous, give a firm handshake at the end of the meeting
7. Know when you will follow up and expect to fill the position
8. FOLLOW UP with the candidates you have interviewed
Number eight is crucially important. A candidate MUST not give up and should keep applying to jobs that fit their skill sets. An employer MUST follow up with candidates in which they felt were good enough to warrant an interview.
However, when a hiring manager or HR specialist DOES follow up, they need to understand that they are dealing with individuals who are anxious for work and will be disappointed and hard enough on themselves for not getting the job. You do NOT need to pour salt in the wound. My husband and I call these rejection letters FOAD letters and everyone has received one at some point in their lives. (FOAD stands for "F" Off And Die)
Real (positive)example of a FOAD letter: "Dear Ms. Stoneking, Thank you for your interest in X company. While your talents and skills are impressive, we have decided to go in another direction. Best of luck to you in your job search. Sincerely, HR Director"
Real (negative and unnecessary) example of a FOAD letter: "Dear Ms. Stoneking, Thank you for your interest in X Company.
First of all, I did not name the company in the second example because I exhibit professional courtesy. But, I believe if the hiring manager would have looked at my resume, he would have seen that I was overqualified which is why I was there as a consultant, not as an applicant. Second, if I wasn't a good fit for the company after speaking with them twice (as a consultant, remember) WHY would I want to (or would they want me to) look on their website for other opportunities?
Employers, you have an obligation to know the interview and hiring process. You have an obligation to employ interview process etiquette. If you are unsure of what that statement means, then I am unsure of how you got into the position you are in. One thing I am sure of is this: Candidates, if you do all of the things expected of you in the application and interview process, you WILL get the job you are meant to get eventually. If you are unemployed, keep at it. Looking for a job is a full-time job. And if you continue to exude professional courtesy, you will no longer be one of 9.5 million unemployed in America. You will just be one in a million!
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