I left off on Friday with a technique to envision what might be what a perfect work day would be like.
Returning to Zen and the Art of Making a Living, the next exercise is remembering when work has been "perfect". This might provide hints, actually proof, of what kind of work you really enjoy - looking back to see the future...Back to the Future...get it now.
As an added plus, it can help you with some great answers to behaviourally-based interview questions and supply some great info for your resume!
1. What was the most important contribution you feel you have made in your career?
2. What has been the most exciting aspect of your work?
3. What has been the most difficult work challenge in your career, but one that you met face on and worked through the obstacles?
4. What, in your career, are you the most proud of?
5. What has been a creative highlight?
6. What skills have you perfected in your career that you have incorporated into your day-to-day life?
7. What have you enjoyed the least?
8. What have you been formally rewarded for in your career?
9. What have you been the most committed to in your career, where you were deeply involved, emotionally committed, and determined to succeed?
10. What have you done that someone said that you couldn't and shouldn't but you knew was right?
11. What have been some times when you were absorbed in your work, when you hardly noticed the time (or the bad pay)?
(L Boldt, Zen and the Art of Making a Living)
I have a follow-up interview tonight for a job that still has a lot of question marks for me. I will ask these questions of myself this afternoon and into tonight, trying to figure out if it can give me the same satisfaction as some of my past highlights.
Blog again with you tomorrow.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
A Day in the Life
Most of us have books that have a profound effect on our lives - Catcher in the Rye, the Bible, the Twilight Saga. In February of 1998 I bought a book called Zen and the Art of Making a Living by Laurence Boldt. Over the next two years, I read and worked through it. It helped my clarify my values, linked my values to a profession, and helped me chart my career course. There is a lot of new age crap in it, but the essence of the arguments and the very effective worksheets were worth it.
Boldt’s main point is that we need to be fulfilled – to do the work we love.
One worksheet in the book is called A Day in the Life. It helps you discover what a perfect work day would be like. Print off this post and answer the questions for yourself. See if you are living the perfect life already Or see if a new job will bring you closer to your ideal.
Your Ideal Day in the Life
1. What time do wake up for work?
2. What do you wear to work?
3. Where do you go to work?
4. Who is the first person you greet, if any?
5. At what time do you begin your work day?
6. Are you working for yourself, a small firm, a large firm, or a branch of government?
7. What are the tools you work with?
8. Do you have a boss? What kind of rapport do you have? Do you have subordinates or employees? What do they do? How do you interact?
9. How do you spend the lion share of the day (in meetings? alone? with a team? on the telephone? Making presentations?)
10. Do you work primarily with people inside or outside of your organization?
11. Where do you have lunch? With whom?
12. As what time do you complete your work day?
13. Do you take your work home with you? If yes, what kind of work?
14. How much money will you earn at this job?
You can visit the author's web-site at http://empoweryou.com/.
Boldt’s main point is that we need to be fulfilled – to do the work we love.
One worksheet in the book is called A Day in the Life. It helps you discover what a perfect work day would be like. Print off this post and answer the questions for yourself. See if you are living the perfect life already Or see if a new job will bring you closer to your ideal.
Your Ideal Day in the Life
1. What time do wake up for work?
2. What do you wear to work?
3. Where do you go to work?
4. Who is the first person you greet, if any?
5. At what time do you begin your work day?
6. Are you working for yourself, a small firm, a large firm, or a branch of government?
7. What are the tools you work with?
8. Do you have a boss? What kind of rapport do you have? Do you have subordinates or employees? What do they do? How do you interact?
9. How do you spend the lion share of the day (in meetings? alone? with a team? on the telephone? Making presentations?)
10. Do you work primarily with people inside or outside of your organization?
11. Where do you have lunch? With whom?
12. As what time do you complete your work day?
13. Do you take your work home with you? If yes, what kind of work?
14. How much money will you earn at this job?
You can visit the author's web-site at http://empoweryou.com/.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Reflect, Engage, Review
I am in a celebratory mood - I have another interview lined-up for later this week & this blog, as of yesterday, has over 1000 hits. Now that I have hit this milestone , I would like to take the time reflect, engage & review.
REFLECT - Simon Sinek @simonsinek said that we all want people to watch out for our back, stemming from cave people being eaten by sabre tooth tigers. We long to belong, to have people take care of us. My motivation for this blog is to let you all know that I have your back. You might need advice and some encouragement when facing problems and forced to make decisions (I know I do). I am happy to share my passion for matching talent with jobs, which I hope can help you not be causality. Hey, I got your back.
ENGAGE - I have been telling you what I want to so far. Does anyone have any specific needs? I would like to start fielding questions and handling specific scenarios. So send me your ideas and issues to jaysonlavergne@shaw.ca or post them in the comments section.
REVIEW - I have about 15 posts now, on topics such as decision making, career development, networking, job searching, cover letters, resumes, reference checks, and negotiation. In the coming weeks, I hope to organize them to help you navigate them in a more linear, clear way. For now though, please take a peek at some past blogs.
Thank-you all and good luck managing your career and finding the right opportunity.
REFLECT - Simon Sinek @simonsinek said that we all want people to watch out for our back, stemming from cave people being eaten by sabre tooth tigers. We long to belong, to have people take care of us. My motivation for this blog is to let you all know that I have your back. You might need advice and some encouragement when facing problems and forced to make decisions (I know I do). I am happy to share my passion for matching talent with jobs, which I hope can help you not be causality. Hey, I got your back.
ENGAGE - I have been telling you what I want to so far. Does anyone have any specific needs? I would like to start fielding questions and handling specific scenarios. So send me your ideas and issues to jaysonlavergne@shaw.ca or post them in the comments section.
REVIEW - I have about 15 posts now, on topics such as decision making, career development, networking, job searching, cover letters, resumes, reference checks, and negotiation. In the coming weeks, I hope to organize them to help you navigate them in a more linear, clear way. For now though, please take a peek at some past blogs.
Thank-you all and good luck managing your career and finding the right opportunity.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Simple Cover Letters
It is proper job seeker etiquette to preface your application to an advertised job posting with a cover letter.
Some advertisements contain explicit instructions on what should be contained in the cover letter. If so, ensure you follow their instructions or you run the risk of your resume being automatically dismissed.
If there are no instructions, here are my recommendations for a cover letter:
1. Clearly (often bold or as a header) identify the job you are applying on.
Use the advertised job title, a reference number, and any other detail that links your application to an actual job. A busy recruiter receives hundreds of applications a day & if she can not link a resume with a job, the resume may sit idle.
2. In the first short paragraph, indicate how you became aware of the job. Say where you found the job advertisement or who referred you to the job.
3. In the second paragraph, use your "elevator talk". Concisely, summarize your potential value to the company. A previous post provides some pointers on creating your quick value proposition.
4. In the third paragraph, address advertised duties with some detailed past actions and results. Here, I recommend a bullet list of about 3-5 facts that prove you can do the job. Be specific, use industry jargon and business names. This all helps a reader link trust what you are saying more since your sentences tell specific stories. If a job advertisement indicates that you will manage the corporate blog, in my cover letter a bullet of mine would be: Utilizing blogger.com, run a blog for career transition which has over 800 hits from 5 countries in its first two weeks.
5. In the concluding paragraph, actively ask for a meeting. Possibilities include asking for a phone conversation (please call me at 780.... as I would love to talk to you about this opportunity), an in person meeting (I am free next week and work very close to your office. If you have some free time, send me a quick email and I can meet you). Provide any contact information that may not be in your header and/or clarify the best way to contact you.
After all, a great cover letter will not get you the job. A good to great cover letter will just get your application read, which may get you and interview, which may lead to them checking your references and credentials, which then may get you the job! Good luck
Some advertisements contain explicit instructions on what should be contained in the cover letter. If so, ensure you follow their instructions or you run the risk of your resume being automatically dismissed.
If there are no instructions, here are my recommendations for a cover letter:
1. Clearly (often bold or as a header) identify the job you are applying on.
Use the advertised job title, a reference number, and any other detail that links your application to an actual job. A busy recruiter receives hundreds of applications a day & if she can not link a resume with a job, the resume may sit idle.
2. In the first short paragraph, indicate how you became aware of the job. Say where you found the job advertisement or who referred you to the job.
3. In the second paragraph, use your "elevator talk". Concisely, summarize your potential value to the company. A previous post provides some pointers on creating your quick value proposition.
4. In the third paragraph, address advertised duties with some detailed past actions and results. Here, I recommend a bullet list of about 3-5 facts that prove you can do the job. Be specific, use industry jargon and business names. This all helps a reader link trust what you are saying more since your sentences tell specific stories. If a job advertisement indicates that you will manage the corporate blog, in my cover letter a bullet of mine would be: Utilizing blogger.com, run a blog for career transition which has over 800 hits from 5 countries in its first two weeks.
5. In the concluding paragraph, actively ask for a meeting. Possibilities include asking for a phone conversation (please call me at 780.... as I would love to talk to you about this opportunity), an in person meeting (I am free next week and work very close to your office. If you have some free time, send me a quick email and I can meet you). Provide any contact information that may not be in your header and/or clarify the best way to contact you.
After all, a great cover letter will not get you the job. A good to great cover letter will just get your application read, which may get you and interview, which may lead to them checking your references and credentials, which then may get you the job! Good luck
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Occupational profiles
One of the best resources I use for my career and profession is occupational profiles.
Occupational profiles, in Alberta can be found at http://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/Content/RequestAction.asp?format=html&aspAction=GetHomePage&Page=Home
The profiles list the duties, the personal characteristics, the educational requirements, employment and enhancement, and salary information. As an HR professional, I use the site to create job ads, interview questions, and to negotiate salaries.
But, as a job-seeker, it can be more useful. It can help you define:
1. What areas of experience have that match with the career. You can use the phrases on your resume or your on-line profile.
2. What areas of experience you don't have. You can try to stretch in your current job and/or seek opportunities to gain this expertise.
3. What job-specific personal characteristics you have and focus your cover letter, resume, and interview responses to focus on your job specific strengths.
4. Conversely, identify personal characteristics that you are week on and mitigate them.
5. Evaluate educational programs that could accredit you in the profession.
6. Identify key employers.
7. Negotiate salaries or determine your income earning potential in certain sectors.
Try to search for your current job, jobs close to yours that might be attainable, and some of your dream jobs.
Occupational profiles, in Alberta can be found at http://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/Content/RequestAction.asp?format=html&aspAction=GetHomePage&Page=Home
The profiles list the duties, the personal characteristics, the educational requirements, employment and enhancement, and salary information. As an HR professional, I use the site to create job ads, interview questions, and to negotiate salaries.
But, as a job-seeker, it can be more useful. It can help you define:
1. What areas of experience have that match with the career. You can use the phrases on your resume or your on-line profile.
2. What areas of experience you don't have. You can try to stretch in your current job and/or seek opportunities to gain this expertise.
3. What job-specific personal characteristics you have and focus your cover letter, resume, and interview responses to focus on your job specific strengths.
4. Conversely, identify personal characteristics that you are week on and mitigate them.
5. Evaluate educational programs that could accredit you in the profession.
6. Identify key employers.
7. Negotiate salaries or determine your income earning potential in certain sectors.
Try to search for your current job, jobs close to yours that might be attainable, and some of your dream jobs.
Monday, April 23, 2012
The elevator talk
I can't recall who proposed this, but there is a job-seeker technique called "the elevator talk".
Let me paint a scenario:
One day, I am visiting my colleagues on the 34th floor of Manulife Place here in Edmonton. As I leave I see Patrick Laforge, President and CEO of the Edmonton Oilers. He is waiting for the elevator to go down. The door opens and we both step in......
What conversation do I have with Mr. Laforge to get a dream job with the Oilers?
Envisioning this can be useful since, as job seekers, we need to engage the people around us to discover opportunities and clearly, concisely express our value to an organization. It also can help your on-line profile, your resume, and even your interview (more on that later).
Back to the elevator....before Mr. Laforge can grab his blackberry, I say "Patrick Laforge, I'm Jayson Lavergne. You have some very talent people working for you right now, including some fantastic skaters. I have always wanted to ask you how does your organization attract and assess talent? I attract and assess talent for the Federal Government of Canada and I love to hear unique perspectives on the issue".
Now, hopefully, Mr. Lafarge hears me. After he hears me, I hope that he compliments my question & gives me a quick response. If he answers anything like a player, I am sure he will tell me they give 110% and it is a team effort. Once he is done, I would then say, "That's great. Is there anyone I call follow-up with (as I grab my blackberry)."
Now hopefully, he gives me a name in his organization that I can call, follow-up with, or find on linked-in. As the doors open, I wish him god luck bringing the cup back to Edmonton and we go our separate ways.
If he asks more about what I do, I then I tell him that I advise managers to support about 17,000 positions in Alberta by sourcing, recruiting, and assessing talent. My clients include DND, Correctional Services, RCMP, Health Canada and 43 other organizations.
Why is this useful to work through the elevator conversation?
1. You can establish how, when faced with an influential person, you can establish a professional conversation. A casual conversation will typically not create a career opportunity. And yes, everyone is an influential person.
2. You can create a career summary for yourself. This summary can then be used in social media & as an introductory section of your cover letter or resume.
Have fun on your elevator ride! I will be trying "elevator talk" out as I attend a 2-day HR conference in Calgary and meet influential HR professionals. Wish me luck.
Let me paint a scenario:
One day, I am visiting my colleagues on the 34th floor of Manulife Place here in Edmonton. As I leave I see Patrick Laforge, President and CEO of the Edmonton Oilers. He is waiting for the elevator to go down. The door opens and we both step in......
What conversation do I have with Mr. Laforge to get a dream job with the Oilers?
Envisioning this can be useful since, as job seekers, we need to engage the people around us to discover opportunities and clearly, concisely express our value to an organization. It also can help your on-line profile, your resume, and even your interview (more on that later).
Back to the elevator....before Mr. Laforge can grab his blackberry, I say "Patrick Laforge, I'm Jayson Lavergne. You have some very talent people working for you right now, including some fantastic skaters. I have always wanted to ask you how does your organization attract and assess talent? I attract and assess talent for the Federal Government of Canada and I love to hear unique perspectives on the issue".
Now, hopefully, Mr. Lafarge hears me. After he hears me, I hope that he compliments my question & gives me a quick response. If he answers anything like a player, I am sure he will tell me they give 110% and it is a team effort. Once he is done, I would then say, "That's great. Is there anyone I call follow-up with (as I grab my blackberry)."
Now hopefully, he gives me a name in his organization that I can call, follow-up with, or find on linked-in. As the doors open, I wish him god luck bringing the cup back to Edmonton and we go our separate ways.
If he asks more about what I do, I then I tell him that I advise managers to support about 17,000 positions in Alberta by sourcing, recruiting, and assessing talent. My clients include DND, Correctional Services, RCMP, Health Canada and 43 other organizations.
Why is this useful to work through the elevator conversation?
1. You can establish how, when faced with an influential person, you can establish a professional conversation. A casual conversation will typically not create a career opportunity. And yes, everyone is an influential person.
2. You can create a career summary for yourself. This summary can then be used in social media & as an introductory section of your cover letter or resume.
Have fun on your elevator ride! I will be trying "elevator talk" out as I attend a 2-day HR conference in Calgary and meet influential HR professionals. Wish me luck.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Decisions, decisions
For those who have been following me from the beginning, this blog is part advice to people wanting/needing to change jobs & part a story of my own transition as my office is closing so my job is disappearing. Yesterday, I got the dreaded call that, although I performed well on my recent interview, they had decided to go with another candidate. There was some disappointment and some relief.
With some time to reflect and research, it seems that what I was facing is called Bounded Rationality. This is where:
a. the minimum criteria for the decision is clear. Check - I need a new job since my current lack of wealth forces me to earn an income.
b. You don't have or are unwilling to invest much effort into making the decision. Ahhh - this could of happened if in week 2 of my current state I were to be offered a great job.
c. you are not trying to maximize the outcome. Bingo! That is why I am relieved to not get the job. I see this as one of finest opportunities ever afford to me to make the next years better than the first 40.
Among many decision making techniques, I self-identify most with the creative style **the author would like to ensure readers understand that many of his personal decisions have not been great or lead to immense wealth and happiness. So, the author will take no blame for decisions you make with this technique***
This also led me discovering other decision making styles. I really identified with Creative Decision Making. The claim is that this style is effective when the solutions to the problem is not clear, when new solutions need to be generated, and when you have some time to immerse yourself in the issues (http://www.athivia.com/college/r-decisionmaking.htm).
The steps to making a decision creatively are:
1. Problem recognition. Like, hmmm, my job has been eliminated and I have a time limit to choose what I want to do. Check.
2. Immersion. Jump right in a live in the problem. Check
3. Incubation. During incubation, you are supposed to set aside the problem and not think about it. Sorry, the daily blogging, meetings, peer support is not a sign of incubation.
4. Illumination. This is when subconsciously you arrive at the answer. Hasn't happened yet
5. Verification & Decision. This is when the "illuminated" decision is checked against the facts & the opinions of others.
Shirts with "I'm not procrastinating, I'm incubating" will be for sale shortly.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. I will post other decision making styles, pitfalls, worksheets, et cetera, to help myself and my friends. Friends, thanks for the over 500 hits on my blog. The rewards are immeasurable.
With some time to reflect and research, it seems that what I was facing is called Bounded Rationality. This is where:
a. the minimum criteria for the decision is clear. Check - I need a new job since my current lack of wealth forces me to earn an income.
b. You don't have or are unwilling to invest much effort into making the decision. Ahhh - this could of happened if in week 2 of my current state I were to be offered a great job.
c. you are not trying to maximize the outcome. Bingo! That is why I am relieved to not get the job. I see this as one of finest opportunities ever afford to me to make the next years better than the first 40.
Among many decision making techniques, I self-identify most with the creative style **the author would like to ensure readers understand that many of his personal decisions have not been great or lead to immense wealth and happiness. So, the author will take no blame for decisions you make with this technique***
This also led me discovering other decision making styles. I really identified with Creative Decision Making. The claim is that this style is effective when the solutions to the problem is not clear, when new solutions need to be generated, and when you have some time to immerse yourself in the issues (http://www.athivia.com/college/r-decisionmaking.htm).
The steps to making a decision creatively are:
1. Problem recognition. Like, hmmm, my job has been eliminated and I have a time limit to choose what I want to do. Check.
2. Immersion. Jump right in a live in the problem. Check
3. Incubation. During incubation, you are supposed to set aside the problem and not think about it. Sorry, the daily blogging, meetings, peer support is not a sign of incubation.
4. Illumination. This is when subconsciously you arrive at the answer. Hasn't happened yet
5. Verification & Decision. This is when the "illuminated" decision is checked against the facts & the opinions of others.
Shirts with "I'm not procrastinating, I'm incubating" will be for sale shortly.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. I will post other decision making styles, pitfalls, worksheets, et cetera, to help myself and my friends. Friends, thanks for the over 500 hits on my blog. The rewards are immeasurable.
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