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#CareerAdvice : #YourCareer -7 Signs You’re #CEO Material… How Did You Score?

June 18, 2019/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

You may be starting in your first entry-level position, or you maybe be an executive VP at an established company. Wherever you are in your career, if you’re ambitious and goal-driven, you may have one question in your mind: will I be the CEO someday?

Becoming a CEO often requires a certain amount of being in the right place at the right time, but having certain qualities will significantly boost the chance that you’ll be considered for the spot of CEO – or any leadership position, for that matter. To find more about what those essential qualities are, we reached out to Tiffany Franklin, executive career consultant and founder of TJF Career Coaching, who broke down what it takes to be considered as CEO material.

1. You’re not afraid to take calculated risks

CEOs are responsible for significant decisions about the strategy and future of the organizations they lead. While a CEO must maintain stability within an organization, they also must sometimes take risks that can result in both short- and long-term pay-offs for an organization. Enter the importance of being a strategic risk taker. Franklin describes this as “having that ability to consider a confluence of multiple internal and external factors, both for the organization and the global market as a whole.” She adds that strategic risk takers “see lessons from the past, but you are looking to the future, in terms of marketing, timing, and people. You’re learning from mistakes, but yet you will take a calculated risk.”

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2. You know how to communicate well

Communication is one of the foundation stones for being a leader. For CEOs, Franklin says, “you want to motivate and empower the people around you… To be able to sell your vision, and also outline a path to make it a reality.” She adds that a big part of that is relationship-building skills. Communication and relationship-building skills are also an integral part of generating employee satisfaction as a leader. As a CEO, a critical component of approval is employee satisfaction. In a 2016 Glassdoor study on the factors that predict high CEO approval, it was found that a one-star increase in employee satisfaction (measured by the overall Glassdoor rating of a company) predicts a 36.9 percent improvement in CEO approval.

3. You’re always challenging yourself

Being a CEO generally doesn’t happen in the first year of career, and often doesn’t even happen in the first decade of your career. It is a place of leadership that, more often than not, is earned through repeatedly facing professional challengesand retaining a diligent focus on self-improvement. There are multiple challenges that are good to take on throughout your career in order to boost your leadership skills and gain recognition among professional peers. On top of volunteering for leadership positions within your company and pursuing leadership credentials like an MBA, Franklin also recommends getting involved with affinity groups at your workplace, as well as getting involved in professional associations, volunteering for boards of directors, and even looking for community service projects that have leadership opportunities.

4. You’re emotionally intelligent

It’s not enough for somebody to be ambitious, says Franklin, but they also need emotional intelligence. “So much of being a CEO is being decisive and purposeful, yet thoughtful when you’re making decisions,” she adds. For thoughtful decision-making, as well as building strong, trust-filled relationships, not to mention being a good communicator, emotional intelligence is key.

5. You know how to surround yourself with the right people

While a CEO is often the face of an organization, they are supported by a team of people who are helping them maximally perform. According to Franklin, having CEO potential means being self-aware enough to know what you’re good at, but also what you may lack, and building a team that complements the areas you have deficiencies in. In turn, she says, this makes a team that can challenge each other, and also brings different things to the table.

6. You find yourself leading projects

CEOs are people who trust can be put in to get a job done. CEOs are also good managers and delegators. You may find that you’re naturally asked by people in your organization to take on big projects and to lead teams. But putting yourself in situations like that whenever the opportunity arises can also help hone your leadership skills. “I think when you volunteer to go above and beyond, not immediately expecting anything, people will start to take notice,” says Franklin.

7. You’re thinking ahead

The best CEOs are visionaries for the organizations they lead. “It’s not just trying to figure out what the trends are and jumping on those, it’s being a thought leader,” says Franklin. Another critical component of being a thought leader is the ability to translate your visions into concrete actions that employees within your organization can take.

Building CEO Leadership Skills

Even if you’re not strong in some of the leadership capabilities that CEOs require, there are many routes to take to bulk up your management prowess. For one, MBA programs are always a good way to learn leadership skills and show your commitment to be a good manager. Franklin also says that If you don’t have the time or availability, there are also smaller courses and certificate programs that you can take in leadership. Reading books in MBA curricula can also both help you build your leadership skills and make for a great conversation starter at professional events, she points out. Then, she says, “keep networking, building skills, and stretching yourself to get to the visionary piece.”

GlassDoor.com | June 18, 2019 | Posted by Lillian Childress

#Leadership : #Recruiting -Companies are Still Ignoring #OlderFemaleWorkers, and it’s Hurting their Bottom Line. A Great Three(3) Min Read!

June 18, 2019/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

Many companies love to tout the success of their Diversity and Inclusions programs. Glassdoor publishes an annual list of the Top 20 companies with diversity programs. Fortune partnered with A Great Place to Work to create a list of the best workplaces for diversity. There are many more lists like this, but according to PwC, only 8% of these companies include age in their D&I strategies.

The reality is, companies don’t give ageism the same attention as other forms of bias. D&I initiatives rarely address the intersectionality of ageism and sexism, and there isn’t a lot of focus in gendered ageism for women. In a survey by Forbes Insights, more than 300 senior executives from large global companies—32% who were in HR or talent management—reported on their ‘companies’ diversity and inclusion priorities. Just 28% said managing the cross-generational issues was a focus, and that gender diversity programs were the most common.

AGE DISCRIMINATION IS ALIVE AND WELL

According to AARP research, nearly two out of three workers in the United States over the age of 45 experienced or witnessed age discrimination. Fifty-five percent say discrimination starts in their 50s. And research from the EEOC shows that women over 50 experience it earlier than their male colleagues. As women show visible signs of aging in a society that emphasizes the importance of beauty and youth, they’re perceived as less competent and less valuable in the workplace. These assumptions—often unchallenged—form the basis of decision-making about hiring, firing, and promoting. As a result, older women are diminished, marginalized, and pushed out. It happens every single day, but it’s not on most people’s radar. That’s because companies often disguise these terminations as downsizing, consolidation, and other reasons to mask the unfairness and potential legal liability.

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WHY GENDERED AGEISM INITIATIVES ARE IMPORTANT

Many of the same arguments supporting the importance of gender diversity hold true for age. There’s a strong business case for a workforce that brings different experiences, skills, and ideas as well as mindsets to the table. Plenty of research illustrates the correlation between diverse teams, innovation, and profitability. McKinsey’s recent Delivering through Diversity study found that “companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on their executive teams were 21 percent more likely to experience above-average profitability.”

Gender equity provides the advantage of different perspectives, opinions, and ideas that women bring to the table. Women help companies better meet the needs of their customer base. The female point of view is critical for the design of products and services for the entire population—not just for men. And as Shelley Zalis, CEO of the Female Quotient, previously told Fast Company‘s Lydia Dishman, women influence more than 85% of all purchasing decisions.

Women over 50 are a powerful force in purchasing power. In 2016, Visa reported that consumers over 50 account for more than half of U.S. spending. The aging consumer market is emerging, according to Barron’s, as “the mother of all untapped markets.” In 2015, the world’s population over 65 was at a historical high of over 600 million people. The UN projected that this number would hit a full billion by 2030 and 1.6 billion by 2050.

The aging population is a fast-growing consumer market, and women in this demographic hold the purse strings. Who better represents this target market than the women who are in it? It doesn’t make sense only to have millennials designing your products and services for this customer base. At the same time, it doesn’t make sense to have just boomer women either. All voices and opinions at the table in a collaborative environment are essential to meet the needs of today’s consumer.

COMPANIES ARE MISSING OUT BY IGNORING OLDER WOMEN

Let’s not forget the obvious reasons why companies can benefit from hiring older women. There’s their wealth of experience and network that younger employees have yet to develop. And as Fast Company’sEillie Anzilotti previously reported, when a company’s workforce is diverse in every aspect—including age—they can collaborate “to produce innovative business solutions.” Research also shows that “higher rates of employed elderly people generally denote strong economic circumstances—which correspond with more jobs for younger workers,” Anzilotti wrote.

Companies need to acknowledge the biased assumptions they make about older women and assess how their culture supports these assumptions at all levels of the organization. When companies push older women out the door, all that wisdom and experience exits with them—and those are the wisdoms and experiences that can help organizations be successful.

Author: Bonnie Marcus, M.Ed., is an executive coach and author of The Politics of Promotion: How High Achieving Women Get Ahead and Stay Ahead. Marcus is currently writing a book about women over 50 in the workplace.

FastCompany.com | June 18, 2019

#CareerAdvice : #JobSearch – 13 Tips For Standing Out On Your Next #JobApplication .

June 17, 2019/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

When applying for a job, you may be one of the hundreds or thousands that are all going for the same position. It can be a real challenge to get recognized and land that job that you are so fiercely competing for.

With a little effort, however, you can learn how to stand out from the crowd and win that employer over. Whether by using creative techniques such as creating a personal brand video and leveraging social media, or by going the more traditional route of showcasing your experience and developing strong communication skills, there are several strategies you can use.

For the best strategies, we asked 13 members of Forbes Human Resources Council to share their input on the most effective things job candidates can do to get noticed by recruiters.

1. Be Perceptive

If a candidate can show they are really perceptive to what the real need is in the job description, they can stand out. This is beyond just repeating buzzwords or listing the same skills. It’s truly ensuring the resume is reflective of how they can make a difference by demonstrating they understand what it will take to be successful in the role and can be the solution the role is designed to address. – Hafiza Gujaran, AlixPartners

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2. Have Good Communication Skills

What’s the one requirement employers list for every job? Good communication skills. Candidates who can demonstrate this in their emails, conversations, resume, cover letter and application materials are already ahead of the game. In addition, those with an interest in writing and whose communication skills extend to blogs, articles and social media posts truly set themselves apart from others. – John Feldmann, Insperity

Forbes Human Resources Council is an invitation-only organization for HR executives across all industries. Do I qualify?

3. Showcase Your Point Of View

Regardless of level, companies look to hire individuals who can replicate success and bring innovative solutions to their organization and industry. Candidates should consider showcasing their ideas and thought leadership by writing an article on a relevant industry challenge or topic. This will increase your visibility and demonstrate you have a point of view. – Geline Midouin,McCann Health

4. Leverage Your Network

Do your research and see what connections in your professional or personal network may lead you to a great contact within the organization. Ask for introductions and referrals. If you don’t have a connection to someone in the organization, consider reaching out to someone on the recruiting or hiring team to establish rapport and express your genuine interest in the company and role. – Alina Shaffer, LivingHR, Inc.

5. Customize, Customize, Customize

Candidates must customize their resume for every job. The day of a single resume for all applications is outdated. For every application, the candidate must review the job description and then customize their resume to the exact specifications listed. Frontline recruiters are looking for the candidates that best fit the initial parameters. – Ben Weber, Vendor Resource Management

6. Focus On Outcomes And Impact

Most resumes are a list of responsibilities. Stand out by including what outcomes you have achieved and what impact you have made by doing the things that you have done. Don’t just say that you lead a team of 20 people. Talk about how you have taken your team from a 20th percentile engagement group to a 90th percentile engagement group. – Lotus Buckner, NCH

7. Showcase Your Skills In Relevant Ways

Showcasing achievements in unique ways can really help candidates stand out⁠—like the candidate who submitted her resume in chocolate or the engineering graduate who built his own portfolio platform to land a job out of college with NASA. A portfolio approach is relevant across industries, differentiates candidates and helps them prove their skills while demonstrating organizational fit. – Jeff Weber, Instructure

8. Quantify Accomplishments

One way to stand out from the crowd is to ensure that your accomplishments are quantifiable. They should be expressed in terms of numbers, percentages or time frames. Then be prepared to answer follow-up questions on specifically how you accomplished that feat with compelling examples that you could replicate at another company. – Sherrie Suski, Tricon American Homes

9. Voice Your Interest Directly

Standing out can be difficult, especially when competition is high. One common factor for hiring managers is time. Even with technology supporting applicant reviews and rankings, hiring managers still have functional areas to run, so a little creativity goes a long way. Candidates should consider contacting the hiring manager directly to express their interest and value they bring to the position. – Dr. Timothy J. Giardino, Cantata Health & Meta Healthcare IT Solutions

10. Create A Short Personal Brand Video

Applicants should create a short personal brand video that gives an employer a sense of their skills, achievements and personality, then link to it at the top of their resume or provide it in an online application. Ensure the video is professional, clean and culturally appropriate to hiring companies. That way, employers can quickly gauge an applicant’s work and demeanor to see if they’re a fit. – Genine Wilson, Kelly Services

11. Use Social Media To Connect

Join social media groups that pertain to your career choice and follow the company (or companies) you’d like to work for. Then, interact with the company on Twitter and Instagram in a positive and professional way. This gets your name in front of them and shows the hiring manager your personality before they even meet you. – Greg Furstner, SkillPath

12. Create A Stellar LinkedIn Profile

There’s nothing more disappointing than getting inspired by an awesome resume and then visiting that candidate’s LinkedIn profile to see unprofessional pictures, date and job discrepancies with the resume and nothing else of interest. Seeing the causes they care about that may align with our company’s mission definitely (in addition to a stellar resume) elevates that candidate’s status compared to peers. – Rachel Lyubovitzky,EverythingBenefits

13. Add Colors To Your Resume

Adding different colors to your resume can make a big difference. Different behavioral styles respond to different colors⁠—notice that many large companies use colors in their logos. However, using too much color or creativity could be distracting. So use good judgement. Make sure the resume is formatted correctly and spelling is correct. Have a few different people review it for you. –Frank Molinario, Security First Insurance Company Inc

Author: Forbes Human Resources Council

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Forbes Human Resources Council is an invitation-only, fee-based organization for senior-level human resources executives across all industries. Find out if you qualify a…

Forbes.com | June 17, 2019

#CareerAdvice : #JobSearch -Why And How To Send A #ThankYouLetter After A #JobInterview …A Must REad!

June 17, 2019/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

Let me start with this, a thank you letter won’t necessarily compensate if in your job interview an employer isn’t convinced that you’re the best person for the role, but it does leave a good impression that speaks to your work ethic and courtesy.

Research shows that the most important quality in a new hire is a solid work ethic, followed by being a good culture fit and then integrity and resourcefulness.

According to a study done by Accounttemps, 80% of HR Managers found a thank-you note helpful, yet only 24% of applicants send them.

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Here is how you send yours, but before I show you how, let’s start with what you don’t want to do or leave out.

A few thank-you note tips that tend to get missed

1. Respect their time by keeping the thank-you letter concise (around 200 words is fine).

2. Talk about something specific from the interview, so it’s personalized and meaningful. For example, something about the corporate culture – this will re-emphasize why you’re a good fit or a response to a question you asked about the interviewer.

3. Mention the job position.

4. Proofread your thank-you letter – Grammarly is a free resource that corrects errors.

5. Send your thank-you letter on the first business day after your interview.

6. Use a simple, short subject-line, such as “Thank you for your time, (insert the name of the person you met with,)” “It was great speaking with you, (insert the name of the person you met with.)”

7. Make sure your use of words convey enthusiasm.

What some of these tips look like in action?

Hello (Interviewer’s Name),

Meeting with you (yesterday/the day you met them) was definitely a career highlight, and it was exciting to see how you are (insert something from your conversation that showcases them as a market/industry leader) in our industry.

I wanted to take a second to thank you for your time. I enjoyed our conversation about (a specific challenge you discussed that is also one of your strongest selling points) and how you would benefit from my background in the role of (insert job title.)

It sounds like an incredible opportunity to have a positive impact on (their greatest challenge). Please, do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need anything else from me.

Thanks again, (insert the interviewer’s name), and I hope to hear from you soon.

Best Regards,

(Your Name) – your branding statement

A few other points about this letter

The person’s name is mentioned twice. In the classic book, “How To Win Friends and Influence People,” Dale Carnegie shares “a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language. Remembering and using one’s name in your communication is a good social skill to practice.
The letter has a good balance of what they are doing well and what they need to improve on as a company.
A branding statement is included. You’ll want your branding statement to include two components:

1. Your key job function in the role or the title of the role you’re applying to.

2. Your most impressive quantifiable accomplishment from the past 12-months.

Here’s what that looks like:

Sarah Jane – Top 0.01% facilitator transforming 1000 + learning experiences

Bill Smith – Project manager, pioneering company-wide efficiency gains by 27%

Other great thank you letter phrases

It was a pleasure meeting you, and I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the opportunity as well as (insert a response to a question you asked about them).
During our conversation, you mentioned that (name of company) has been struggling with (describe a problem the company is having). Please find the plan on how I’d address (insert their biggest challenge) in the first 30-days attached.

This is a good phrase to use if you feel there may be some concerns around the relevancy of your experience and your ability to hit the ground running.

According to research by MRINetwork, 77% of job openings are created because of new positions. Employers won’t hire you if you don’t understand their need. Don’t forget to reiterate that you understand why the role exists (what the challenges are), briefly remind the interviewer why you’d be the best candidate and further illustrate your commitment to the role. You’ve worked hard to get to this point, and I wish you all the best.

Author: Rachel Montanez is a career coach and career development speaker. Her new interview manual to increase your chances of interview success is available here.

Rachel Montanez

Contributor

I fell in love with the training and coaching industry at age 23 after working in Japan and South Korea. I help individuals achieve career goals by drawing on my award-w…

Forbes.com | June 9, 2019

#CareerAdvice : #JobInterview – 5 Things You Need For A Successful Second Interview . Bonus: How to Answer the 50 Most Common #InterviewQuestions

June 15, 2019/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

Congratulations! Earning a second interview invitation is no small feat. You’ve surpassed ample and stiff competition to get this far. So bask in your success for a moment. You deserve that infusion of confidence, and you’ll need it to propel you through the next round.

Before you can nail this meeting, it’s important to know your purpose. How is this meeting different than your first? Nancy Range Anderson, author, career coach and founder of Blackbird Learning Associates, LLC explains:

“During the first interview, the interviewer asked questions to determine three areas; can you do the job, do you fit into the company culture and do you really want this job. It’s pretty certain that in the second interview more senior level staff will be conducting the interviews and while they may ask similar or the same questions that were asked in the first interview, the purpose of this interview is to compare you and your skill set with the other candidates.”

The second interview presents a chance to have a deeper conversation about the job with some of the key players.

Here’s what you need to nail it:

A go-to ice-breaker

Enthusiasm is a core component of emotional intelligence because it fosters connection. If you’re excited about this job and this institution, share that. Point out what you observed during your first interview that got your excited.

Sharing your genuine enthusiasm enables you to tap into that of your interviewer; which can lead to a two-way conversation about professional passions.

So think about what appeals to you about this environment and the people you’ve met so far. Do you sense that they all seem to really love their jobs? Do they seem excited about their work, or about the population they serve?

Consider an ice breaker like: “I met two team members when I was here last week. Both raved about the students here, which made me feel really excited about this prospect. That kind of enthusiasm can’t be faked, and it’s such a strong endorsement.”

This can prompt your interviewers to share what they love about their work and their workplace, which can loosen up the conversation and give you valuable insights.

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A unique angle

A second interview presents an opportunity for you to sell you skillset and to demonstrate how your experience has well-positioned you for the open position.

Anderson points out that at this stage, candidates should detail their accomplishments and focus on the impacts of their professional efforts. Anderson explains: “The interviewer at this stage wants to know, ‘What’s in it for me/us?’ and ‘What can this candidate do to help us accomplish our goals that the other candidates can’t do?’”.

Think about your current role. Maybe you work for an international organization and you’re well versed in the nuances of hosting international guests and colleagues. Maybe your work for a start-up and you know how to work hard and lean.

Find your angle. Then demonstrate to your potential colleagues how your unique professional experience makes you particularly well-suited for this role, and a “must have” for their team.

Examples of soft and hard skills

A job description is a manager’s wish list for his/her ideal candidate. Study this document to drive your prep.

Anderson recommends: “To prepare the candidate needs to focus on the responsibilities, skills and requirements of the open position and come up with specific behavioral stories detailing his or her actions and results.”

Anderson advises a very direct approach: “I suggest that the candidate draw a two-column chart. In the left column, list the hard and soft skills, tasks and job responsibilities required of the position and in the right-hand column write out examples of work-related accomplishments that support these. Above all, the candidate should focus on his or her role in these accomplishments and use words such as “I” rather than “We”.

While you always want to emphasize that you know how to function well on a team, you also want to highlight the individual successes that set you apart.

Salary prep at the ready

Do your research and know your worth. Anderson advises: “The candidate should be prepared to discuss salary at any time during the interview process.”

Anderson explains: “Salary discussions usually come up towards the end of the interviewing cycle and most likely will be initiated by the interviewer. This can be a positive sign.”

Meaningful questions

Anderson points out an interview is a two-way conversation. So don’t squander your opportunity to ask questions by posing queries that you think will impress the interviewers. Get the lowdown you need.

These are some questions Anderson recommends:

How would you describe the company culture?
What are the challenges your team is facing right now? How can the person stepping into this role help?
What kinds of people really grow here?
What are the long and short term goals of the department?

Remember, getting this invitation is a huge deal. You’re a stellar pro, and you have a lot to be proud of. Good luck!

How to Answer the 50 Most Common Interview Questions

Glassdoor.com | June 13, 2019 | Posted by Eileen Hoenigman Meyer

#CareerAdvice : #JobSearch – What to Do if You Keep Hearing ‘No’ from Companies . Great REad!

June 14, 2019/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

When you’re on the job hunt and you get hit with “We’ll give you a call,” but the call never comes, it can become quite frustrating. Not getting any answer is sometimes more discouraging than getting a rejection. But in the job-seeking world, you will often find yourself receiving more negative answers, rather than positive ones.

The real reason behind it may be related more to the technology that supports the recruiting system, rather than to your overall job skills.

Recruiting software can often be a burden

The recruiting process has suffered many changes throughout the years, in the hopes of successfully implementing new tools that can help the HR department and streamline the entire process. And while some of these technologies have turned out to be quite helpful, such as job platforms that connect employers and job seekers, others are a constant pain for both recruiters and applicants.

Online job application questionnaires are often stiff and redundant and do not help any of the parties involved. For example, there is no real need to elaborate on your tasks and duties at your previous job, if you have already mentioned you have worked as a school teacher. Any recruiter should be able to tell what your tasks were if you taught English for high school students, but despite that, most applicant tracking systems (ATS) require an answer that is already obvious. Instead, they should be focusing more on your accomplishments and skills, in order to successfully determine the real difference between qualified and underqualified applicants.

“The recruiting process has been dehumanized and automated in a way that has become inefficient. We focus more on intimidating and discouraging candidates by using inefficient technologies and making them go through pages of questions that are not always relevant in the hiring process,” says Angela Ross, HR Manager at Flash Essay.

Take advantage of tools designed to help job seekers

What most ATS do is they screen resumes based on certain keywords that match the job description. If your resume does not include those exact same keywords, your application will most definitely not reach the hands of a recruiter. Fortunately, technology can also be used in your advantage this time, as there are multiple websites that specialize in writing resumes or intent letters, to fit the criteria of an ATS. Those tools are specially designed with recruiting technology in mind to help employees get their resumes through the screening process and on the interviewer’s desk.

“Applicant tracking systems follow a strict pattern and some resumes, although filled with relevant information, do not pass the system,” says Amy Jones, Employment Specialist at WriteLoad. “Keep your resume as simple and concise as possible and include information from the job description. Avoid unnecessary information that may not be ATS-friendly.”

Spelling mistakes can be the end of your resume, as the system can’t go past them and will not understand that you meant to write “time-management” instead of “time-management”. So, make sure you perform multiple spell-checks before submitting your application. If you want to be 100% sure you don’t have any mistakes, run your resume through a spell checker after you have finished it, to avoid all possible mistakes.

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Don’t let rejection take a toll on you

Sometimes, the fear of getting rejected can make you lose focus before even getting to the interview. While sending resumes out to every single job offer you may have heard of is not the best way to approach the situation, neither is giving up and laying in bed all day, hoping to hear from that company you sent your resume to three months ago. You have to make sure you keep your focus and only apply to positions that are suited for you. Otherwise, you might find yourself getting a job that does not bring you any kind of fulfillment. Make a primary goal of your job-hunting process to only apply to positions that truly interest you and fit your skills.

Another mistake that most candidates make after a few rejections is to start overanalyzing the entire process. While recognizing your mistakes and correcting them is part of growing up, constantly going over certain situations and focusing on what went wrong can only work in your detriment. Remind yourself that this is part of the process, learn from it and move on to the next one.

“Try reaching out to the hiring manager and ask how you can improve. You may get the exact answers you were looking for,” said Daniel Bennet, Hiring Manager at EssaySupply. “For example, if you applied for a sales position, you might be able to learn that, although your skills were perfect for the job, you might have come out as shy, which is not a good thing for a salesperson.”

Expand your job search

While nobody says you should go looking for an accountant position if you have 7 years of experience as a VP of Marketing, looking for other jobs in the same filed, such as Marketing Officer, or Marketing Manager. You might even want to consider going for a lower position at first and, with your skills, get promoted in no time. There is no point in narrowing your search, just because the job title does not include the word “manager”. Apply, go to the interview and discuss more with the recruiter when you get there. You have no reason to turn down a job that fits your salary expectations, is close to your home and offers an enjoyable working environment just because it does not have a certain title on the door.

Landing a job is not always an easy task and the process can sometimes take out the worst of you. What is important is to analyze the situation, understand that is not always your fault for not getting that callback and focus on moving forward, rather than getting stuck on the last negative response you got.

GlassDoor.com | June 12, 2019 | Posted by Sylvia Giltner

#Leadership : #CommunicationSkills – Dealing With A Difficult Conversation. A Great Read for All!

June 12, 2019/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

Difficult conversations are just that — difficult. The prospect of a tough conversation can fill anyone with dread and anxiety. Everyone has probably had this feeling, and everyone probably dreads it.

But you don’t need to. We’ve found through our research that this dread, in many cases, points to a natural aversion to conflict, as well as to a fundamental desire to be well-liked and understood. No matter the reasons, however, there are some simple ways to alleviate your anxieties before a tough conversation.

The next time you face a sensitive talk, whether at work with a boss or client or at home with a loved one, you can follow a three-step process to navigate it with ease: prepare, script and role-play.

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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Get The Basic Principles Down First

Many people hate being wrong. We hate being at fault or blamed. Whether this comes from pride or anxiety, it’s critical to look at your own behaviors and attitudes as you prepare for a difficult conversation. As you do this, remind yourself that the other person likely has similar feelings and attitudes. In the end, it’s not about who’s right — it’s about coming to an understanding.

Prepare for the conversation as you would for a pitch, client presentation or any other major moment — by owning as much as you can about yourself. Remember: prepare, script and role-play:

• Assess in your mind. Empathize with your counterpart, and try to imagine the scenario from multiple perspectives. How might their view differ from yours? How would a neutral party hear both sides? As you build empathy, try to focus on positive thoughts so you can put yourself into a constructive mindset to approach the conversation.

• Visualize the interaction. You’ve thought about both sides, so how might the conversation play out? Where might it turn negative, and how do you see yourself responding when you hear something you don’t like? At this stage, your preparation is a choice, so explore as many ups and downs as you can. This can help reduce potential surprises in the discussion.

• Practice each scenario. You’ve established a framework of possible directions and conversations; now practice them. Put them down on paper, grab a colleague or a friend and see whether they’d be willing to role-play the scenarios with you. It may sound silly, but the more familiar you are with your game plan, the more seamless your execution will be when it’s game time.

Apply The Principles To Real-World Scenarios

Let’s put this theory into practice. Imagine a client of three years has just emailed you expressing grave concerns about your working relationship. They ask for a meeting to discuss the future of your work together.

This type of situation happens, and it’s easy to let it spiral in your mind. Applying the three-step process to prepare, script and role-play may allow you to navigate the conversation and at least save the relationship, if not the contract itself.

• Focus on what you can control. As you assess everything in your mind, try to find that place of empathy to understand why you might be receiving this email. Maybe you already know, or maybe you’re caught off guard. Let yourself feel the negative emotions, and then dissect the situation as objectively as possible. Taking the time to explore the different angles can help break down the defensive position you might have taken. In short, it can help you come quickly to a constructive place and approach the conversation as a partner.

• Start scripting. Once you’ve thought through the different angles, start letting scenarios play out in your mind. Maybe you’ve set a meeting time, date and location. Put yourself in that room, and begin to imagine different paths the discussion could take. Imagine the questions and statements and the attitude or tone behind them, and write it all down. This can let you conceive positive responses in advance, so you can keep as much on the table as possible when the meeting finally comes.

• Role-play. Find a co-worker, a friend or someone you to trust to practice how the conversation may go. Study your notes and the scripted scenarios you’ve created, and practice until you feel confident and comfortable in your approach and the directions the conversation can take.

Of course, almost no conversation goes as scripted. The goal of this preparation is to help you come to a constructive place of understanding in advance of your meeting and anticipate as many scenarios as possible so you can avoid being caught off guard. The more you can maintain a fair balance of yourself, the better your odds of salvaging anything at all or, in some cases, turning the dreaded conversation into a truly productive, positive outcome for all parties.

Remember This

Take a deep breath. Think about the impact this conversation may have on your life in five years. Then put yourself in their shoes and do the same. You may quickly realize that the conversation probably doesn’t have the ability to ruin your life or in fact change much at all.

Now you’re ready. Communicate bravely. You’ve done the necessary preparation, and now it’s time to trust the different scenarios you’ve practiced and maintain your positive mindset throughout. Remember that difficult conversations have better results for those who remain positive and confident throughout.

Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Do I qualify?

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Forbes.com | June 12, 2019

#CareerAdvice : #ProductivePeople – The Best Morning Routine Hacks Proven to Boost #Productivity .

June 11, 2019/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

Developing the perfect morning routine that maximizes your lifestyle and predilections — while squeezing the most productivity out of your days — is a trial-and-error process. You have to know yourself in order to customize the best morning routine, and one size doesn’t fit all. For example: Do you need coffee to even get into the shower? If the answer is a resounding “yes,” consider building it into your routine by preparing your coffee maker the night before. That way, you can wake up and immediately hit the “on” switch.

The good news is that some morning “best practices” have been shown to help successful business moguls and entrepreneurs make the most of their time and energy. Take a look to see which morning routine hacks you can build into your ritual to help you ramp up productivity and reach your goals.

Wake Up Early

Not all wildly successful people are early risers, but it seems a majority of them are. Richard Branson has said, “No matter where I am in the world, I try to routinely wake up at around 5 a.m. By rising early, I’m able to do some exercise and spend time with my family, which puts me in a great mind frame before getting down to business.”

Branson is joined by other celebrated early risers, such as Apple CEO Tim Cook (4 a.m.), Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey (5 a.m.) and Starbucks executive chairman Howard Schultz (4:30 a.m.).

Research suggests many successful people wake up well before the work day begins. By doing the same, you can make time to exercise, walk your dog, meditate, spend time with family and get a jump on the day before you get worn down by your duties.

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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Start your morning the evening before.

It’s not until the end of one work day that you clearly understand what needs to get done the next work day. So before you log off, make a list of what you’d like to accomplish the following day, like entrepreneur and Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary does.

He has said, “Before I go to sleep, I write down three things that I have to get done the next morning before I take a call, write a text or an email or talk to anyone else except my family. And they can be random things, like ‘Call your daughter at school and ask about whether she’s done this or that’ or ‘Close a deal.’ What I found was once you get those three things done, the rest of your day becomes amazingly productive.”

Do the hardest thing on your to-do list first.

Author Mark Twain is cited to have said, “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” The adage suggests completing your most difficult task first, and these words were embraced and demonstrated by overachievers for generations after.

Gina Trapani, founding editor of Lifehacker.com, gave her take on why: “First thing in the morning your mind is clear, the office is quiet, and you haven’t gotten pulled into six different directions — yet. It’s your one opportunity to prioritize the thing that matters to you most, before your phone starts ringing and email inbox starts dinging. By knocking out something important on your to-do list before anything else, you get both momentum and a sense of accomplishment before 10 a.m.”

Tackle the hardest thing while you still have a significant reserve of mental and physical energy.

Drink cold water.

After you wake up, hydrate; you’ve just gone for a long stretch of time without drinking any water. Water perks you up and gets your muscles and organs working, said Rania Batayneh, nutritionist and author of The One One One Diet. “One of the biggest indicators of lethargy or low energy is that you are dehydrated.”

That’s why power players like Arianna Huffington, founder of both The Huffington Post and Thrive Global, and Kat Cole, president of FOCUS Brands (parent company of Auntie Anne’s, Carvel and Cinnabon), start their mornings with a tall glass of water.

Put your phone out of arm’s reach.

A 2016 study from CareerBuilder suggests cell phones and texting are the biggest productivity killers at work. Constantly checking your smartphone can seriously impede your ability to focus and finish tasks, so it’s a good idea to limit your access by banishing it to a drawer except for designated times. You can also consider turning your phone off completely and turning it back on during lunch hour.

Turn on the light.

Having trouble getting out of bed? Turn on multiple lights.

Whether it’s natural or artificial, light is significant because it tells the brain that the day has begun and sends signals to the body to stop producing melatonin, the hormone that helps regular sleep, said Dr. W. Christopher Winter, medical director for the Martha Jefferson Hospital Sleep Medicine Center in Charlottesville, Va.

“If it’s dark when you want to wake up — say, 5 a.m., for example — you can fool your brain into thinking the sun is up by using bright indoor lights,” Winter said.

Exercise first thing in the morning.

Richard Branson, Sheryl Sandberg and Mark Zuckerberg all prioritize fitness upon waking. Exercise helps boost their energy, motivation, productivity and physical and mental stamina.

Branson is a dedicated runner and cyclist, and he credits exercise for his ongoing productivity. “I definitely can achieve twice as much by keeping fit,” Branson said. “It keeps the brain functioning well.”

Science suggests a correlation between mental sharpness, memory and exercise. According to Harvard Medical School’s journal, working out causes your brain to secrete a chemical called neurotrophic factor, which boosts brain function.

Eat a healthy breakfast.

Tony Robbins and Oprah Winfrey both opt for healthy, high-protein breakfasts to increase focus and productivity throughout the day. Lifestyle expert and registered dietician Lisa De Fazio explained that your first meal of the day should be a balance of high-fiber carbohydrates and lean protein. The former helps regulate blood sugar levels, while the latter can help you feel full for longer.

While Robbins opts for a high-protein breakfast and has been reported to favor unusual options like fish and salad or quinoa and hummus, Winfrey is a fruit enthusiast and typically enjoys berries and passion fruit alongside multigrain toast.

Meditate.

Many moguls meditate first thing in the morning. They’re not alone in this practice, and studies show that daily meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Meditation provides the mind with a daily single-task workout so you can remain focused on completing one thing at a time, instead of being mentally pulled in multiple directions. It can improve your productivity by supporting your ability to stay present.

GlassDoor.com | June 10, 2019 | Posted by Carolyn Sun

#CareerAdvice : #InterviewQuestions – Best Answer To The #InterviewQuestion ‘Why Should I Hire You?’ … Must REad!

June 8, 2019/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

In today’s fast-paced world, you need a quick, concise, well-thought-out answer to capture the employer’s interest and make them decide to hire you.

The formula: creating your strategy

Examine your previous experience. Write out the major responsibilities for each job you’ve held. Note any special accomplishments. Zero in on your important work strengths—those abilities where you excel and are most productive.

Then, check with your contacts and use your network to get as much background as possible about the employer, the company, and the position’s needs. Check the hiring manager’s LinkedIn profile. Go to Glassdoor.com and read reviews of the organization. Many times, your contacts and research will point out the very aspects that must make up your 5 top selling points which I call, the 5 Point Agenda. Other times, there will be little information available and you will need to guess based on your general knowledge about performing the job.

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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After reviewing the position’s needs, determine which of your abilities and which aspects of your experience will be most important to the employer. Then create your 5 Point Agenda, selecting each point to build a solid picture emphasizing how you can do the best job. This is an important step as the 5 Point Agenda is the basis for creating your 60 Second Sell.

Before every job interview, you will customize your 5 Point Agenda to reflect the responsibilities of the job as well as the company’s goals and objectives. These five points are your basic building blocks to answer the interviewer’s questions. You’ll want to emphasize each of these points whenever the opportunity presents itself. The message the employer will hear is that you have the ability to perform and do well in the job—and it will give your prospective boss confidence in hiring you. On top of that, they likely will remember these aspects about you.

Here is the sample that Susan, 58, created about her role as a Human Resources Director. The company wanted to find a progressive HR partner to lead its organization. They needed a strategic leader. The client had heard about the position from a friend at an HR conference and wanted to go after the job. Her 5 Point Agenda needed to stress her achievements.

Example:

Human Resources Director

Point 1: Award-winning human resources leader.
Point 2: Providing strategic direction for the organization that was recently named a national best places-to-work company.
Point 3: Strong entrepreneurial drive was responsible for delivering new programs, HR systems, and major policy enhancements.
Point 4: A strategic and operational business partner working closely with top executives.
Point 5: Exceeds goals and expectations.

Your Verbal Business Card

The 60 Second Sell is a tool that helps you target your skills to meet the employer’s needs. It allows you to summarize your most marketable strengths in a brief and concise manner. Successful job hunters have found that the 60 Second Sell is the most influential tool they used during the interview process. They praised the tool for several reasons:

It was effective in capturing the employer’s attention.
It provided excellent, concise answers to tricky questions.
It was very easy to use.
It was a great way to end an interview.

The 60 Second Sell is a 60-second statement that you customize for each interview and that summarizes and links together your 5 Point Agenda. You will want to put the points of your 5 Point Agenda into an order that allows you to present them in the most logical and effective manner. When you link the ideas into sentences, they should be spoken in 60 seconds or less. Once memorized, this statement will be easy for you to recall and use during the interview.

Answering that tough question

Your 60 Second Sell is the perfect answer: Why should I hire you? This question is asking you to convince the employer to hire you. The 60 Second Sell is effective because it demonstrates your strengths and illustrates how you will fill the employer’s needs. That is the key to its success, and yours.

60 Second Sell Example

To clearly understand how your 5 Point Agenda is linked and becomes your 60 Second Sell, let’s continue with our earlier example; here is how we took Susan’s 5 Point Agenda and linked the points together to summarize them and create her 60 Second Sell.

Human Resources Director

“I’ve been an award-winning human resources leader with fifteen years of experience providing strategic direction. I’m proud to share that my current employer was recently named a national best-places-to-work company. I am a global thinker who contributed to the company’s success as a strategic and operational business partner, and we have cut attrition by 60%. I display a strong entrepreneurial drive at work. I have been responsible for delivering new programs, HR systems, and major policy enhancements. My CEO has repeatedly recognized me for my innovative leadership that often exceeds goals and expectations.”

This encapsulates exactly why the employer should hire her. She has outlined her very best skills, experience and abilities. And it worked – Susan landed her dream job amongst steep competition. By following this formula, you’ll be able to sell yourself effectively too.

Author: Robin Ryan is a Career Counselor and the bestselling author of 60 Seconds & You’re Hired and Retirement Reinvention. Her website is http://robinryan.com/

Explore Robin’s Book: 60 Seconds & You’re Hired

The 60 Second Sell is your tool to achieve this. This 60-second calling card will summarize your skills, abilities and previous experience in a well-thought-out fashion that will immediately make the employer want to listen.

The 60 Second Sell is a proven shortcut to your success when asked the tough question, “Why should I hire you?” Client upon client has reported that using my 60 Second Sell approach was the best job search technique they’d ever used. It’s easy to create and easy to implement. Once you’ve learned this technique, your interviews will be greatly improved because you will be able to do the most important thing necessary to land a job—tell the employer exactly how you can perform his or her job.

Forbes.com | June 4, 2019 | Robin RyanContributor

#CareerAdvice : #JobInterviewing – Here’s Your #JobInterview Preparation Checklist.

June 7, 2019/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

So you applied for a job online, and just got a call from the recruiter asking if you can interview with the hiring manager. You are super excited until you hear that the interview is happening in 48 hours. 2 days. OMG!

Don’t panic; just prepare! Glassdoor has got you covered. Complete with timing and strategy, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of essential ways to gear up for your interview and knock it out of the park. Ready, set, prep!

As soon as you hang up with the recruiter:

1. Study for your interview like it’s a final exam.

Find as much information as you can on the company or organization, and commit as much of it to memory as possible.
If the job you’re interviewing for requires knowledge in a certain field, do all of the learning and brushing up you can on information that will be relevant to your interview.

2. Generate a list of potential interview questions (and their answers!) beforehand.

Base your list of questions on both what you expect them to ask and the real life experience of others
Reach out to people who worked in similar companies and positions as you are interviewing for and ask them about their interview experience
Use tools like Glassdoor’s interview question database to look up real interview questions and their answers.

36 hours before the interview:

3. Write out answers to every question you anticipate, and practice delivering them out loud.

Even if you don’t remember your responses word for word, you can fall back on certain key points and phrases.
Write your own list of questions for the interviewer, and be prepared to ask them when the time arises.
Make sure your questions are nuanced and well-researched. Never ask for any information that can be simply found online.

4. Compare your skills and experience to the job description.

For each component of the job description, brainstorm your relevant skills and experiences, and think critically about how you want to present them.
If there’s a preferred skill or experience you do not have, be able to demonstrate you’ll be competent without it.

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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12-24 hours before the interview:

5. Be rested and healthy for the big day.

Before getting good night’s sleep, try to imagine yourself acing the interview.
Eat wholesome, healthy meals for the days preceding the interview.
If you are prone to anxiety, try breathing techniques or meditation the morning of the interview, and even directly before.

3-6 hours before the interview:

6. Dress for success

Keep your fashion choices subdued and classic – don’t wear clothes that will distract the interviewer.
If you’re unclear on what type of clothes to wear, don’t be afraid to reach out to your interviewer and ask.
Wear clothes you feel confident in. Don’t be afraid to invest in an “interview outfit” or two that you feel your best in.

7. Empower yourself

Practice a firm handshake, strong posture, and attentive body language in advance.
Think of a mantra you can call upon for self-confidence, like, “no matter what, I will do my best.”
Try to imagine yourself not getting the job. While it might be painful to think about, what can you see yourself having learned from the interview experience?

8. Don’t leave any unnecessary unknowns.

Plan what to bring (extra copies of your resume!) and even what transportation you are taking to the interview way in advance, so there’s no added uncertainty the day of.

During the interview:

9. Keep an interview journal

During or even after your interview is over, take a few minutes to jot down what parts you felt you aced, and where you could have shone brighter. These notes can serve as a valuable guide for your future interviews.

6-12 hours after the interview:

10. Follow up.

Extending the conversation shows that you’re passionate about the job. Don’t call every day asking if you got the job, but a simple thank you note can speak volumes about your commitment to the position.
And if you didn’t get the job? Let them know if you’re still interested, and ask what you can do to be a more attractive candidate in the future.

GlassDoor.com | November 5, 2018 | Posted by Lillian Childress

1. You’re not afraid to take calculated risks

2. You know how to communicate well

3. You’re always challenging yourself

4. You’re emotionally intelligent

5. You know how to surround yourself with the right people

6. You find yourself leading projects

7. You’re thinking ahead

Building CEO Leadership Skills

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WHY GENDERED AGEISM INITIATIVES ARE IMPORTANT

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A go-to ice-breaker

A unique angle

Examples of soft and hard skills

Salary prep at the ready

Meaningful questions

Recruiting software can often be a burden

Take advantage of tools designed to help job seekers

Don’t let rejection take a toll on you

Expand your job search

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12-24 hours before the interview:

3-6 hours before the interview:

During the interview:

6-12 hours after the interview: