Minto Roy - Career Management Blog

The world would be a much more productive, heathier and happier if every month was January.

Think about it, people all over the world are making new resolutions to make 2007 a fantastic year. This month brings the collective thoughts of billions towards self improvement. Lose Weight, stop smoking and yes find that better career! A career that's going to get you out of bed earlier and ensure that when Monday morning arrives, I'm looking forward to a great week with great people. Yes indeed! January is a fantastic month to find success with your job search. Here's why January's great for you career and 5 and Srategic Ideas to take advantage of a world ready to improve.

Can you feel the fresh air of optimism this month? It's difficult avoid. Everyone you meet says "Happy New Year"! People ask each other about their new years resolution and goals. .
In January we openly share our goals and resolutions for the upcoming year. There is not another month when people start conversations with such optimism. Think about a typical conversation in January;

Tim meets Susan, he say's "Happy New Year Susan! Any new year resolutions? Susan states with excitement "Yes, I plan on focusing more on professionals career and spending more quality time with my family. And...oh, I'm going to make double what I made last year plus lose 25 pounds. "Wow"! says Tim, "that's fantastic, those are the exact same goals I have, but, I'm also going make triple what I made last year and grow hair on my bald spot" and by the way Susan, you don't need to lose any weight"....Let's assume for this article that Tim's a smart guy.

Wow, that unbelievable" they both state "This is going to be a great year.

Ok the Tims and the Susans of the world" Here's what you need to do in January as far as your careers are concerned.

First:
Write down your career goals with the greatest detail. It's an absolute cliche's stated in every goal setting manual to write down your goals in detail. But 90%+ of professionals I interview, don't write down their career goals and 99% of them don't write them down with detailed clarity. So, before you say, I alreay know this idea, if you haven't done it, be glad that you've heard it again. Do it!

Here' s a good detailed goal mission statement for Tim and Susan. I want a new exciting career. "I'm going to secure a strategic partnership with a resource based career expert. Together we'll combine, resources, ideas, objectivity and an increase my network of information and people required to strategically secure that right career fit for me."

"I am also going to break down a week be week activity chart of what I need to do each week to increase my production and efficiency to align my goal of earning 4 times what I did last year." "I am going to study and learn from those people achieving these goals already and ensure that I adust my strategy each time I experience setback.

I won't give up or get discouraged and I won't rationalize and slow down when I have only doubled my earnings. I am going to keep the gas peddle floored!

Remember this is an example of an exciting mission statement for your goals, start breaking down the activities and required and start implementing.

Second:
Tell people your detailed career goals, share your plan. Seek advice, support and most importantly provide support and patience when others say "that's impossible", you'll never triple your income or lose 30 pounds." This cynism should only add fuel to the fire. Promise to turn their pessimissium into inspiration. You will succeed and they will become believers.

Also the great benefit of telling other's your plans is that most people are ready to help. Their increased knowledge and awareness of your goals will make them valuable allies. If one of Susan's goals was to buy a used blue miata convertible, she should not just tell people she's looking for a car. What if Steve ran into a friend who was trying to sell a used blue miata because he needed a van for his new triplets.

Remember, tell as many people with clarity and detail exactly what you are looking for.

Third:
If you are on a Career Search Campaign in January, what better time to ask managers at companies about not only their corporate goals but also their personal goals. Ensure that after asking hiring managers their goals, ask what they see are some minor hurdles they will have to overcome in achieving them. This information will provide powerful nuggets of information on what you should put in your resume or value-proposition for your candidacy.

Fourth:
Work harder in January. The business climate is ripe for growth. Most professionals and companies slowed down in December due to holidays and extra- merriment. Companies return with re-newed vigor and attitude Rally cries of "Let's have a big 2007, let's get going"! "December was fun but it's time to get focused and get a head start on the competition". It's a perfect time to align your work effort and focus to those of the Corporte rally cry. This will ensure that you won't be sagging behind in February.

Five:
Don't give up. Another cliche, but some ideas. Write you goals down on the first day of each month of every calender, daytimer, fridge calender you own. Don't let your January goals and optimism become the last page on the calender. Push your goals forward and keep them at the forefront of each month. Take the optimism of January and make it the first part of each on exciting new month in 2007.

Posted by minto at 12:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Presidents, Vice-Presidents and Hiring Managers have one important common trait when it comes to hiring.

Learning this commonality about how hiring managers think will give average jobseeker a huge advantage in competitive market.

For years, I’ve worked with thousands of professionals on their career search; I have gained tremendous insight, real ideas and powerful strategies on how to differentiate someone from the competition. If you think finding a new job is not fun, try hiring and finding talent in a hot job market.

Working in recruitment has given me a deep understanding about the hiring process from the employer's side. It might surprise you to learn that even though hiring managers and jobseekers sit on opposite sides of the corporate table, they feel the exact same way about the whole hiring process.

Most job-seekers dread the various aspects of finding a new career; polishing the resume, looking through the internet, newspapers, networking with strangers, handling multiple rejections and dealing with the unemployment stigma. The same rings to true for hiring managers. Hiring is frustrating.

Managers candidly inform me about their added stress with the time requirements, the process and the expense of finding new talent. Most companies today simply delegate the responsibility of hiring to a departmental manager. This manager must then add on the hiring responsibility to their already busy work schedule.

Think about it. "Bob" the manager of an IT department needs a software developer. Beyond his regular 40-50 hours a week, Bob must now add on the responsibility of posting, recruiting, screening resumes, conducting multiple interviews with strangers and presenting offers. Bob has to add of another 10 hours a week onto his already busy work schedule. That's time away from his regular duties, his family life, and his personal time. He's not terribly excited about that.

Perhaps, some larger companies have dedicated HR Departments or recruiters assisting them, but not most. Eighty to ninety percent of all new hires are hired by small to medium size companies. These companies dedicate the responsibility to a manager or the owner simple does it. That means, managers like Bob, work more hours when the company needs new employees. Furthermore, Bob is going to work those extra hours until he finds the right employee.

So here's one important thing that you know and remember when you’re conducting a career search: like most jobseekers, the vast majority of hiring managers want to get the hiring process over with as quickly as possible.

You can truly utilize this insight by focusing on closing the hiring deal sooner with employers. Seek closure after you've been interviewed. If you've done all the right things in targeting a new career opportunity; you've done the research, you've prepared a great proposal based on the company's requirements, and you’ve nailed the interview and received great feedback, then ask for the job! Close the deal with the confidence of knowing that both sides want to get the hiring process over with. The average job seeker rarely attempts to close the hiring deal. With your new awareness be assured that the hiring manager want to hire the right candidate as quickly as possible.

Job-seekers concentrate to much on bettering their competition. The true focus should rest on understanding the mindset and frustrations of the hiring manager. Solve their problems and they will solve your career problems.

Try saying this at the end of your next job interview;

"Bob, thanks for your time and candid conversation today. It's great to confirm that your company is in fact an organization that I can see a great future with. I hope I have showcased the amount of value and effort that I would bring this position. I am confident that I am the right fit. What is the next step to move this forward to the offer stage."

If you can do the job and put in the right effort then give Bob a chance to decide. Remember, the Bob's of the world want you their life back.

Posted by minto at 12:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

An important night for your Career in Canada

Annual company Christmas parties are a tradition in Canada. However, new immigrants may not be familiar with certain traditions and party protocols.

10 Key Points to Remember:

#1 - You should go to the Christmas party
Often new immigrants to Canada are quite shy and find a glitzy social evening intimidating. Naturally, there is an inclination not to go but in North America the social importance of being well liked and involved with company activities is crucial to your success.

#2 – Bring your spouse
A full night of English conversation and social interaction might be a terrifying thought, especially when English is not your first language but what a great time to practice! Your colleagues and their spouses are relaxed, having a great time, and everyone will be fascinated by the stories of your country and culture.

Here's a tip. A few days before the party, ask your colleagues about their wives or husbands, inquire about their interests, hobbies and other pastimes. They may be similar to those of you or your spouse. This would be a great way to create instant conversation!

#3 - Dress-Up
Put on your nice suit, especially if you don't wear a suit and tie to work. The reaction people will have when they see you professionally dressed will be amazing. Let them see you at your best and that you'd be a fit in the corporate boardroom.

#4 - Carry breath mints.
As the evening moves on and you've helped yourself to a few drinks, to garlic dip and a few more drinks, your breath will smell like you should be demoted to the photocopier room. Be kind to your fellow partygoers and carry some mints.

#5 - Don't drink too much
This is standard throughout the world, not only in Canada. Drinking and job stability don't mix.

#6 - If you’re going alone then "Mingle"
Mingling means to talk and to get to know others. Don't spend the entire evening alone – talk to other people. Take a sincere interest in others and you will be surprised how much they take an interest in you.

#7 – Thank your Manager or President for their support
Make it a point to walk over to your Manager or President and sincerely thank them for supporting you throughout the year. Let them know that you're looking forward to supporting their goals and that you admire their efforts. It's respectful and the right career move.

Here’s a tip: Send a thank-you email to your boss
This is important! After the party, send a hand-written note or at least send a thank-you email acknowledging a wonderful dinner and a great time. It's the right thing to do.

#8 – Stay awhile
Don't just leave when the dinner's over and the music begins. Stay a little bit; chat, listen to great music, laugh and DANCE!

#9 - Don't talk about work too much.
Talk about holiday plans that you may have or what exciting things you have planned for the New year. Create an excitement about something non-work related.

#10 - Have a great time!
You'll find that around the world, people are not so different when we're relaxed and having fun.

Happy Holidays to you and your family,

Minto Roy
President/CEO
PCMG Canada/Careers Today Canada
www.pcmgcanada.com
www.careerstodaycanada.com

Posted by minto at 12:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)