How To Pay It Forward And Make It Stick!

Whatever holiday you celebrate this time of year, there’s a common theme … joy, kindness, giving, being thankful…. To that end, I thought I’d start off December with a post befitting the season.

I’ll never forget years ago when I was living in Ohio and working in a law firm. I had no family anywhere near me, and no one I could really count on. It was a time in my life when I was seriously alone … me, myself and I. Day by day, I watched as everyone’s excitement about the holidays grew knowing I would be spending mine completely alone if I didn’t get creative (without being imposing). My holiday is Christmas and many in the firm celebrated Hanukkah instead. Therefore, there were those attorneys that would be working on Christmas day, but wouldn’t have any support. I decided they would be my family for Christmas and I would offer them a gift … I offered to work! I’ll never forget those couple of years. I truly created some great memories … and made some wonderful friends. Yes, we worked … but we goofed off a lot too. Not only that, but I learned an awful lot about another culture and that’s priceless!

Enough about me. Let’s talk about you and the people around you this holiday season. I’m going to offer up a challenge and see how far we can spread this. Everyone has sticky notes, right? If you don’t, go buy a pack … any size you want. The size you have or buy will determine your action plan. The larger the sticky note, the larger your message can be (in words, anyway)!

Here we go. Obviously, we should be kind and considerate all the time, but this time of year is especially important. Many people suffer from depression around the holidays for a variety of reasons. It could be that they’re missing loved ones that have passed on, or they can’t get home to see loved ones, or maybe they’re simply all alone and no one is noticing. It’s hard for some people to watch everyone else fully embracing the season as invites abound and they are left to simply observe.

So, here’s the challenge. For every single day of December, that’s 31 days, write something kind and encouraging about someone (anyone) on your sticky note and anonymously place it somewhere obvious in their work space. It can be anything (but don’t be sexist or break any harassment / discrimination laws). Anyone can be your target, but try to hit up as many people as you can and make sure there’s someone new on your list every single day. You can leave messages about how much you appreciate their great attitude, or how much they inspire you. You can thank them for little things that maybe they thought no one noticed. Anything!

CONCLUSION: Much of my life up to about my 30’s, I was alone. I know what it feels like to be “invisible.” Outwardly, I was always smiling so people didn’t notice how lonely I was inside. I found ways to deal with it. But, not everyone is like me. So many people suffer in silence and just don’t know how to step into this time of year without crying themselves to sleep at night. YOU can change that! Notice them, appreciate them … let them know they aren’t invisible. Watch as the month goes on and see how much happier people are. It doesn’t matter what holiday you celebrate, if any. This isn’t about you, although it will come back to you in surprising ways! Let’s do this! Let’s go viral with our sticky note campaign starting on Tuesday, December 1st! It will cost you nothing, other than the price of some sticky notes. Share this blog post far and wide and then come back here with your stories (comment below). I can’t wait to read them.

Do you have career or life questions?

If so, comment below and I’ll be happy to respond!

Thanks for sharing your time with me and reading my BLOG!

Warm regards…. Debra

We love providing you with value be it in our blog with up-to-date information about what’s going on in the workplace, tools you need to create and maintain your own success, daily quotes to keep you motivated and moving forward, options on career paths and, of course, a little fun along the way.

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The History Behind Thanksgiving In America

Giving thanks. It’s a beautiful thing to do. In America, we have one day out of the year specifically set aside for showing our thanks and gratitude. Admittedly, we should give thanks every day, but this day is special. I hopped in my time machine and took a trip back so that I could bring you the history of Thanksgiving in America. It should be noted that there are many claims to the “original” Thanksgiving, some dating back as far as 1565. What I’m providing here is the most popular historical account.

While not an “official” holiday until 1941, Thanksgiving has its roots starting way back in 1621 when the first “harvest feast” between the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians took place in Plymouth Colony, now Massachusetts. The exact date is not known, but it was sometime between September 21 and November 9, 1621. So how and why did the Thanksgiving tradition begin? Let’s take a look back.

Thanksgiving(2a)

September of 1620
102 passengers called “religious separatists” left Plymouth, England on the Mayflower in search of a new home where they could freely practice their faith. There were also individuals seeking to find the “New World” where prosperity and land ownership had been promised.

November of 1620
After a horrendous 66-day crossing, the group found themselves far north of their intended destination … the mouth of the Hudson River. Where did they drop anchor? Near the tip of Cape Cod!

December 1620
After crossing Massachusetts Bay, they began the hard work of building their new home, their village at Plymouth. With only the Mayflower to shield them from the harsh elements, they lost half of their group that first winter from exposure, as well as scurvy and outbreaks of contagious disease.

WATCH THIS SHORT VIDEO

March 1621
Once the weather broke, the survivors went ashore. To their amazement, they were visited by an English speaking Abenaki Indian. How in the world did he know English? Someone obviously taught him! Days later, he returned with another English speaking Native American, Squanto, who was a member of the Pawtuxet tribe. Squanto knew English because he had been sold into slavery after being kidnapped by an English sea captain. He escaped to London and returned to his homeland.

Squanto spent a lot of time with the Pilgrims teaching them how to survive in their new land. He was also responsible for helping them forge an alliance with a local tribe, the Wampanoag. While the alliance endured for more than 50 years, it unfortunately represents one of the sole examples of harmony between colonists and Native Americans.

November 1621
Governor William Bradford organized a celebratory feast after the first successful corn harvest. Included on the guest list was the colony’s Native American allies, including the Wampanoag Chief Massasoit. This celebration is remembered as American’s “first Thanksgiving,” which lasted for three days. The exact menu is unknown.

1623
The second Thanksgiving celebration marked the end of a long drought. The year’s harvest had been threatened which prompted Governor Bradford to call for a religious fast.

1789
The first Thanksgiving proclamation was issued by George Washington after the conclusion of the country’s war of independence and successful ratification of the U.S. Constitution. John Adams and James Madison, his successors, also went on to designate days of thanks.

1817
The first of several states to officially adopt an annual Thanksgiving holiday was New York.

1827
Sarah Josepha Hale, a magazine editor and writer — author of the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb” — launched a 36-year campaign to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday.

October 3, 1863
In response to Sarah’s long campaign, Abraham Lincoln finally heeded her request and officially scheduled Thanksgiving for the final Thursday in November.

1939
Franklin D. Roosevelt, in an attempt to spur retail holiday sales during the Depression, moved Thanksgiving up a week. The change was met with overwhelming opposition and called “Franksgiving.”

1941
Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill changing Thanksgiving back to the fourth Thursday in November, albeit reluctantly.

Side note: Some Native Americans do not support the way the Thanksgiving story is told. In their view, the story is incomplete as it doesn’t realistically portray the conflict with Native Americans that resulted in millions of deaths. A “National Day of Mourning” is held on Thanksgiving Day at the top of Cole’s Hill overlooking Plymouth Rock to remember the lives that were lost. Similar events are held in other parts of the country.

Gratitude(2)

CONCLUSION: Knowing our history adds so much more meaning to our “Thanksgiving” celebrations. It reminds us of who we really are. We see so much turmoil and suffering in the world … here at home in America as well. What we learn from history is that there have always been givers and takers, and a desire for freedom. What we can all do this Thanksgiving is promise each other that we’ll take our feelings of generosity, thanks and gratitude and continue to share those sentiments every day of the year. We truly have a lot to be thankful for. It’s not about the feast … it’s about the bounty!

Do you have career or life questions?

If so, comment below and I’ll be happy to respond!

Thanks for sharing your time with me and reading my BLOG!

Warm regards…. Debra

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How To Let Go And Embrace New Beginnings

One of the toughest things to do is leave behind the familiar. Unless you have your own business, job change is, at some point, inevitable. Times are different. It’s not like it used to be years ago when people stayed at one job for a lifetime. Sometimes to get ahead, and to gain balance in your life, it’s necessary to make a change.

Intellectually, we know when it’s time for a change and we go through the motions to make it happen. We might even get excited about it because we know in our hearts it’s what’s best for us. There’s definitely something tantalizing when envisioning new possibilities. But when it comes right down to it, any type of job change can wreak havoc on our confidence and self-esteem.

How do we make peace with letting go and embracing new beginnings? Studies show that our subconscious is what controls absolutely everything in our lives. To truly let go and embrace change, we need to immediately tackle what our conscience mind is telling us because in reality, it’s our subconscious thoughts that are surfacing. Even though we may realize that change is necessary, those little voices are putting doubt in our minds and giving us reasons / excuses to hang back.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common thoughts and feelings that surface and how we can turn the real and “perceived” challenges and negative thoughts into something more positive.

Culture – Yes, a company’s culture is very real. No matter how much we research a new company, they will have their own unique culture. Are they high energy and fast paced, quiet or bustling, employee driven, etc? Even if “similar” to your current culture, it’s going to be an adjustment since you’ve become such an integral part of your office. Cultures are no different than individuals having unique personalities … no two are alike! After you start your new job, be an observer. Different isn’t necessarily bad so take your time and don’t try to jump in all at once.
People – Ah, the people. As in all facets of life, not just work, people can be a challenge. Having a multitude of personalities under the same roof for eight hours a day requires tolerance. The best you can do is “manage” the interaction. You will feel a connection with some people right off the bat but be careful, not all who appear to be your buddy will actually be buddy material. Don’t project, but don’t fall prey either! Remember, politics exist in EVERY environment.
Policies & Procedures – Even if your new opportunity has you doing the same type of work, the policies and procedures are going to be different. Be gracious during your transition. You may know your stuff, and that’s good, but you need to learn how things are done in your new environment. There’s plenty of time down the road to introduce new ideas of your own. Your first priority is to learn! You never know, you may be introduced to a few ideas that improve upon what you’ve brought to the table.
Feeling Inferior – I believe most people enter into any new position with the fear of looking like they don’t know what they’re doing. After all, you’re leaving a situation in which you could do your job blindfolded. It’s easy to be comfortable being the expert! But we all know, you can’t grow if you’re not being stretched. Now you find yourself in a new situation where no one knows you and you’re starting over. I can’t stress this enough … you wouldn’t have been hired if the hiring manager didn’t believe you’d add value to their team. Period! So, suck it up, embrace your training and STRETCH yourself right back into being an authority. Give it time, it WILL happen if you set your mind to it!
Losing Relationships – Leaving your job means saying goodbye and that’s never easy. This is something I have to counsel people on a lot. The bottom line is that you are NOT losing relationships … you’re gaining new ones! Anyone you’ve met that is meant to stay in your life, will stay in your life. You now have a wonderful opportunity to forge new and lasting relationships that can be just as rewarding. Take it slow and observe those around you. Finding “good chemistry” is accomplished by initially allowing others to do most of the “revealing” talk. You will find people that are honestly welcoming in any new situation.
Comfort Zone – Let’s face it, you’re accustomed to personal and professional routines and habits that are “comfortable” and familiar. For example, when do you confidently take initiative, with whom will you take your coffee break, who will be your go-to person when you need support, who stimulates and appreciates your creativity, etc. That “alone” feeling starts to surface just thinking about leaving and it can be frightening for the best of us. Again, relax and take it slow. Throw yourself into your training, and get to know who the people are that you’ll interact with most. A rewarding job offers challenges that are outside-your-comfort-zone. Being stimulated keeps you on your toes.

CONCLUSION: I have this discussion with everyone at some point, and I’m going to be frank. Chances are when you first start your new job, you may have buyer’s remorse and think to yourself, “this sucks.” Different people have different reasons for feeling this way! It happens. New jobs typically do suck, at least initially. But have patience because that feeling passes rather quickly. Once you’re in, develop a routine and regain confidence in what you’re doing, it will all start coming together. Give it a chance … it’s your opportunity to be a shining star!

Do you have career or life questions?

If so, comment below and I’ll be happy to respond!

Thanks for sharing your time with me and reading my BLOG!

Warm regards…. Debra

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Are Cover Letters Effective Or Necessary?

Okay, so you’ve got your resume professionally updated, you have your follow-up tools, and now you’re ready to start your job search start. What’s missing? A cover letter? Some say you need one, others say you don’t. And if you do use one, what do you say? Let’s find out!

YES … I am of the professional opinion that you should have a cover letter, especially if you’re conducting your job search on your own. The reality is that in this job market, you need every possible advantage that you can get. And, a cover letter is a key piece of your marketing arsenal and further conveys your brand and value! The ONLY time I’d recommend you not send a cover letter, is if you’ve been instructed not to (some online submissions, etc.).

For many people, writing is not their claim to fame and they find themselves stuck. The good news is that while you want your cover letter to be professional, it shouldn’t be “stiff” … you can be a “bit” less formal and show some personality. You should include things in your cover letter that directly relate to the position for which you are applying, as well as “speak” to the person reading it. And remember, make each cover letter unique and personalized for each position. Start with a draft and revisit it a few times before finalizing it!

GETTING STARTED

Do your research on the company first. More often than not, a company’s web site will talk about their “corporate culture.” A cover letter is a perfect opportunity to include personal notes on your interests / philosophies that show a potential employer how you well you’d fit into their environment.
Research the position … read the job description thoroughly and understand the requirements. A cover letter is an opportunity to show a potential employer why you are qualified. Not everything you’ve ever done can be on your resume, so your points of interest can speak directly to the position for which you are applying.
Include a couple of your outstanding accomplishments that don’t appear on your resume but would mesh well with the needs of the position / company. Maybe even briefly mention a challenge that you overcame that would make you uniquely qualified.
Make sure your cover letters convey a sense of “energy and personality.” You want the reader to get a sense of who you are and what you’ve accomplished. Before any face-to-face meeting, all a potential employer can do is get a mental picture of you. So, make sure it’s the image you want to convey. Let them imagine you in the position!
If appropriate, you can name drop in a cover letter, something that you can’t do on a resume. If you’ve been referred or have a mutual contact in your network, mention them and what your relationship is.
Don’t be afraid to “tell your story.” More and more studies are showing that stories make you “engaging and memorable.” Are you forging new ground, returning to the workforce, relocating, etc? Briefly tell your story and make it positive and exciting. Invite people into your world. Showcase your successes!
Whatever you do, PERSONALIZE your cover letter(s)! Do NOT say, “To Whom It May Concern.” Ick!!! Again, READ the job description and then figure out to whom your letter should be addressed … Dear Mr./Ms. XXXX. LinkedIn is a great tool to use. Search for the company name and job title / department. If the instructions say to submit to HR, then search for the person in HR!

HOW TO STRUCTURE YOUR COVER LETTER

I believe it goes without saying …ALWAYS type a cover letter. They should NEVER be handwritten!
Your cover letter should not be more than one page. Offer enough, but don’t write a book. People are simply too busy to read lengthy letters.
Just like on a resume, you have but a few opening lines to catch the reader’s attention. Don’t make it boring! Lead with a positive comment from a performance review or something that highlights relevant skills or work ethic. Tell them why you’ve chosen their company! This is even a good place to name drop!
The middle of your cover letter is where you bring attention to your skills. Know the difference between soft skills and hard skills. Soft skills such as communication, organization, time management, etc., are all important and a part of the bigger picture, but they don’t show an employer “why” you’re qualified. They are bonuses! Here’s where you need to highlight your technical skills and ability, with the added bonuses of your soft skills. Also, it’s always helpful if a potential employer knows what industries you’ve worked in. If not included on your resume, include this information in your cover letter.
Your closing should always thank the readers for their time and consideration. Express your interest in the position and company and state your desire for next steps. If appropriate (independent job search), make sure you let them know that you will follow up to verify that your submission was received.

CONCLUSION:

A successful job search requires a lot of attention to detail. You ALWAYS want to be organized and professional. Everything that you do from start to finish speaks to an employer. It’s your “brand.” Make sure you know your audience and that you’re giving them the tools they need to recognize the value that you can bring to their team. I always tell people that I’d rather have more than less, but follow directions. Less means you run the risk of not having done enough. More, as long as it’s professional, means you’ve got it covered. Finally, be careful not to come across as needy or a pest. Not every submission will get a response, even if you think you’re a perfect fit. The right opportunity for you IS out there waiting to be found!

Do you have career or life questions?
If so, comment below and I’ll be happy to respond!

Thanks for sharing your time with me and reading my BLOG!

Warmest regards…. Debra

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The 11th Hour Of The 11th Day of the 11th Month – Armistice Day / Veterans Day

Having grown up in a military family, there’s a special place in my heart for the people who give so freely of themselves, during peacetime and wartime, to keep our world safe. Many of these fine men and women make the armed forces their life’s work. It’s a demanding life, a submissive life, a selfless life!

Do you know the history behind Veterans Day? Many people don’t. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, Word War I officially ended. Legislation was passed in 1938 to dedicate November 11 to the cause of world peace and was known as “Armistice Day” in honor of World War I veterans.

In 1954, veterans service organizations were successful in getting Congress to amend the Act of 1938 to change the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day in order to honor all American veterans of all wars. After all, we had now been through World War II and the Korean War.

This “holiday” has not been without controversy. In 1968, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday in October so that Federal employees could enjoy a long weekend. Really?!?! Well, there were a lot of people that didn’t like this idea for obvious reasons. So, in September of 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed a law to return the annual observance of Veterans Day to it’s original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. Yay, George! The rest is history!

Note that there is a difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Memorial Day honors our military men and women who died in service, or as a result of injuries incurred during battle. Of course, we remember ALL veterans on Veterans day, deceased or living. However, Veterans Day is a day dedicated to thanking and honoring our living veterans who are or have served honorably in any branch of our military at any time.

I’ve provided a brief video which is about two minutes in length, as well as a link below with more information. This is a really important day so make sure you take a moment to hug or thank a veteran or service member. It will make their day!

To learn more about the historical importance of Veterans Day, click here> The History of Veterans Day

CONCLUSION: I might be a bit biased coming from a military family, but I can recognize the fact that without our military men and woman choosing a career of service to our country, we wouldn’t enjoy the freedoms that we’ve been so blessed with. Among many other freedoms we enjoy, we are free to choose our life path, our careers, military or not. We are free to to search for greater fulfillment in our lives. We need to be thankful and appreciative of what we have, and we need to take what’s already good, and strive to make it better. Today’s a day to not only honor our veterans, but to make sure we honor their gift to us! To all of our brave men and women….

Do you have career or life questions?

If so, comment below and I’ll be happy to respond!

Thanks for sharing your time with me and reading my BLOG!

Warm regards…. Debra

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How To Fail Without Being A Failure

I’ve mentioned before that I’ve certainly had my fair share of challenges this year. That might even be an understatement. Be that as it may, it’s my journey and I must deal with it. I do my best to remember that everything we experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. Looking for the lessons in our challenges isn’t always easy, but when it comes right down to it, we have two choices … rise or fall / succeed or fail. And, sometimes failing isn’t “failure,” as long as we own it. I saw a quote today that really spoke to me. (To subscribe to our “Quote of the Day” list, follow this link and opt-in at the bottom: Quote of the Day.)

“A man can fail many times, but he isn’t a failure until he begins to blame somebody else.”
~John Burroughs~

How profound! In the workplace or in our personal lives, we’ve all met them … people who refuse to take responsibility. As I reflect on this, it becomes crystal clear that some of the people I admire the most have made a LOT of mistakes. Somehow, they’ve risen above it all. The fact is, their mistakes don’t really stand out to me, their successes do. Along the way, they didn’t try to blame anyone or anything else for the challenges they faced. They simply owned them and worked through them. This isn’t to say that they never felt beaten down. That’s just part of life. It’s not the load, it’s how you carry it!

Maybe you screwed up a project, completely dropped the ball, missed a deadline, or maybe even got fired … whatever the case may be, take a deep breath and own it. My prediction is that it will be hard for anyone to ride you about something you’ve taken responsibility for. Sure, you’ll probably get a reprimand but so what! It’s so much easier to move on if you’re not trying to talk your way out of something by naming all the reasons why it happened in the first place. No one really cares why it happened, they simply want a solution.

Frankly, the best time to take responsibility is BEFORE a situation becomes obvious to others. That’s true integrity. Look at it, analyze it and come up with a solution / remedy! Sure, your first attempt may have failed … but don’t let it be a “failure.”

CONCLUSION: I have a friend battling cancer and she’s in for the fight of her life, literally! Never once has she said, “Why me?” She did say, “Why not me!” She’s facing her journey head on with the attitude that there’s a purpose for what she’s going through … whether or not it’s for her, or for someone else. She’s certainly not happy about her situation, but she’s determined to make something positive come out of it. She has faith, and she looks forward to a bright future regardless of what she has to endure! I mention my friend knowing that hers is probably the most extreme of examples, but if she can face each day with a smile and complete ownership, so can I!

Do you have career or life questions?

If so, comment below and I’ll be happy to respond!

Thanks for sharing your time with me and reading my BLOG!

Warm regards…. Debra

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How To Organize An Effective Job Search

The other day we talked about how to package yourself for your job search. It is so important to take a professional and organized approach when seeking a new position. It doesn’t matter if you’re already employed, or if you’ve found yourself among the ranks of the unemployed. Knowledge and preparation are key to your success!

Having worked with job seekers and employers for so many years, I realize that not everyone has the financial means to enlist the services of a career counselor or coach (which Quality Source does offer). To that end, I’ve been working on digital products that are packed with value yet affordable. These important tools will add a professional touch to your job search efforts and have you one step ahead of your competition. Our newest E-book, “My Job Search Toolkit,” provides a lot of value on its own, but works very well with “My Resume Toolkit.”

*Is your job search keeping you up at night?*
*Do online searches for tools have you frustrated?*
*Not enough time to sift through 1,000’s of choices?*
*Are you unsure about reliable sources?”*

There’s something to be said for convenience … everything you need all in one place. The resume toolkit provides you with detailed information on what should or should not go into your resume, the types of resumes, examples of resumes, as well as an interactive workbook and skills checklist. The job search toolkit has all of your post interview instruction and advice, thank you letter templates, a resignation letter template, as well as interactive job search tracking documents.

PERFECT

SEPARATELY

TOGETHER

A few comments from satisfied users:

“Love your e-books on resumes and interviewing, great info and easy to use templates, thank you!” Wendy N.
“Information is easy to understand & use. Beneficial tool that will help job seekers find employment quickly.” Jeff S.
“Thank you so very much. I did do the toolkit and reworked my resume. I actually had more people contact me! It works, it works great!” Jena T.
What I want people to know is that you have done my resume 3 times in the last 20 years, always producing several job offers and many comments by employers on how impressive my resume is. You are so very professional, fast and ahead of your time when it comes to the latest trends and techniques. You are by far the best recruiter and resume writer around. Continued success… Fred S.

CONCLUSION: When it comes to your career, there’s absolutely no reason to leave anything to chance. Yes, you can get advice from friends and family, and it’s well-meaning and sometimes very good. But, unless they have been in the trenches on a daily basis working with job seekers and employers, they might not be giving you the “best” advice. I’m excited to offer these two toolkits, and more are in the works. Investing in yourself is never a waste! Need a question or two answered, let me know. It’s my pleasure to be of assistance!

Do you have career or life questions?
If so, comment below and I’ll be happy to respond!

Thanks for sharing your time with me and reading my BLOG!

Warmest regards…. Debra

Need Resume Help?
“My Resume Toolkit”

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How To Package Yourself In Business And Solidify Your Brand

There are so many moving parts to a successful job search or business development efforts. Way too many to cover in a single blog post or conversation. Even if you think you’ve got it covered, there are things that you never even thought of. Self-employed people, this applies to you too!

Think about packaging for a moment. When you’re in need of purchasing something, what is it that initially attracts you? For most, it’s the packaging. It’s only after being drawn to the packaging that you start breaking things down into smaller categories like price, terms, convenience, etc. The same is true for employers when reviewing candidates for open positions.

Let’s talk about how you’re packaging yourself. First it’s your resume, which “brands” you! Next is another important aspect of your branding … your follow-up. Following up on your resume submissions or interviews can make or break you. Think for a moment if an employer has two candidates that for all intents and purposes are equal. What do you think might tip the scale in your favor? Well, if you sent a thank you note / letter after your interview and the other candidate did not, then your “packaging” screams “detail oriented, organized, thoughtful, and most importantly, invested and INTERESTED!

First thing to do when concluding interviews is to ask for business cards from those you’ve met with! You ALWAYS want to have proper names, titles, E-mail addresses, company names and addresses, etc. If you blow this part on a thank you letter, kiss the opportunity good-bye!

Second rule of thumb when we talk about thank you notes / letters … DO NOT have one prepared to drop in the mail after you walk out of the interview. That’s really tacky. Yes, it’s important that you’re timely with your follow-up, but don’t do something so “canned” and transparent.

Third, I’m often asked which is better for thank you letters … E-mail or snail mail / hand-written or typed. Honestly, it really depends on several factors. Let’s cover a few.

1) How have the interview arrangements been handled by the company? Has everything been via E-mail, or have the arrangements been handled more formally?

If the process has been informal, then by all means utilize E-mail. I would, however, follow up with a typed letter. This gives you two opportunities to get your name back in front of the employer; once immediately following your interview, and again when they receive a copy in the mail.
If the company is conservative (traditional / formal), then I’d recommend snail mail.

2) Should thank you notes / letters be typed or hand-written? Personally, I always recommend a typed thank you letter.

It allows you to show off your composition skills.
It showcases your business savvy in how to put together a formal, business-like letter (formatting, etc).
Hand-written notes … if the receptionist or assistant helped you, then hand-written notes for them are appropriate, and appreciated!

3) What should you say in a thank you note / letter?

Thank the interviewer(s) for their time and the opportunity. After all, this IS time out of their busy day!
Recap the discussion and highlight your skills, and how your experience is a good fit for the opportunity
Cover anything that you feel you didn’t have a chance to discuss during the interview and want to highlight (make sure it’s important / relevant)
Close by reinforcing the good fit and, most importantly, ask for the job!

CONCLUSION: Thank you notes / letters are a great way to keep you connected with a potential employer after interviews. Most people are very uncomfortable trying to follow-up to see where things stand. This is a great way to follow-up without being pushy or a “pest.” With that said, it is imperative that you check and re-check everything before you send your letters out. Typos, poor composition and bad formatting are not the kind of branding you seek! Taking the time to compose a well-done thank you letter is welcomed, appreciated and remembered! Set yourself apart!

Do you have career or life questions?

If so, comment below and I’ll be happy to respond!

Thanks for sharing your time with me and reading my BLOG!

Warm regards…. Debra

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Who Or What Are You Allowing To Steal Your Time?

As we usher in a new week, I’m thinking about how much I have to do. As a matter of fact, I took advantage of the gloomier weather yesterday (Sunday) to try to get a head start. You know what I mean, all of the little “administrative” things that have to get done that don’t “individually” take a lot of time, but collectively they do. The stuff that some of us tend to “put off” until later.

If you’re like me at work, you are so focused on your bigger tasks / projects that you just don’t want to break from them for the small things that crop up. You’re on a roll and fear that if you stop, you’ll lose your momentum and your focus. If you have a lot of irons in the fire, you need to keep a good pace to effectively manage them all. We all know that distractions are responsible for many errors in our work so focusing is a good thing. But what do you do about all of the other “smaller, more tedious” tasks that need your attention?

I had a couple of months where my desk got so “messy” because I would look at things and say to myself, “that can wait until later.” Well, later always becomes tomorrow, which then turns into next week, etc., etc. Before I knew it, I was spending more time looking through the piles on my desk than I would have if I’d just taken care of those smaller tasks as they came in. Talk about added stress … I really, really dislike a messy desk!

So, what did I do? Well, you know that old saying about when you clean the garage you first have to make a HUGE mess? Well, that’s exactly what I had to do. Once I sorted through everything, I made a new pact with myself … if it’s in my hand, deal with it right then and there. If I put it down, I’m going to fall back into the trap of “I’ll get to it later.”

You know what else I’ve had to do? I’ve had to learn to say no, which is extremely difficult for me! I really love helping people, but when helping others gets me so far behind with my own responsibilities, I need to re-evaluate my priorities. I tend to “give away” a lot of my “chargeable” time. In turn, I end up putting in a lot of late nights to make up for it. An exhausted Debra can do little to truly be effective.

Something else I’ve started doing is managing when I take calls. Again, back to the focus thing. How can you stay focused if you stop to answer the phone every time it rings? So, instead of just leaving my name and phone number, I’ve started letting people know when a good time to call me back would be. In addition, I’m using the text capabilities of my office phone system (not my cell). Person to person communication is the best way to develop relationships, but there are a lot of times with established relationships that it’s not needed. All too often calls end up being much, much longer than anticipated. As it turns out, I don’t have to chase people as much when I text them … I usually get a text right back and I can put that particular task to rest! And you know what, the other person tends to appreciate it because it’s saving them time as well.

Use your digital calendar, folks. Some of the piles on my desk were “reminder piles.” Ick! Instead of keeping a small piece of paper on top of a pile, create a note in your calendar / planner. Most of us have our calendars synced to our smartphones so this is an ideal way of staying organized, on time and pile free!

CONCLUSION: I’ve always been a pretty organized person, but even organized people can easily fall into a pattern of bad habits. If you want to stay on top of things, quit wasting time by constantly revisiting the same tasks. Putting tasks to the side will eventually have you “cleaning the garage,” so to speak. For example, we all know when the mail comes, right? Well, you’re already being interrupted with the mail delivery, so you might as well take care of it right then and there. Chances are it will only take a couple of minutes to organize what you’ve just been handed. Don’t create “to do” piles on your desk … they are daunting, especially when you’re busy … and things tend to get lost in the shuffle. Purge, baby purge, and then create a system. The reality is that piles are simply a procrastinator’s excuse to avoid organizing their desk.

Do you have career or life questions?

If so, comment below and I’ll be happy to respond!

Thanks for sharing your time with me and reading my BLOG!

Warm regards…. Debra

Need Resume Help?
“My Resume Toolkit”

Learn about us!
Quality Source Inc.

Job Search Organization

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SOCIAL MEDIA BUFF? Choose any of the links below to be taken to our social media sites for more of what you’re looking for.

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Motivation

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Have You Missed Your Chance? Is It Too Late?

All I can say is, WOW. I really, really like the guy I’m featuring here. He gave me quite a boost today and my first thought was to share the experience with you! This was by far the best six minutes that I’ve spent in a long, long time. No matter where you are in life, you can’t help but be energized and motivated by his rant. Yep, it’s a rant … one that many of us need to hear. A bit of a kick in the hiney!

Personal growth never has to stop. We hold the power in our own hands. It just depends on what action we take to develop that which has been ours all along. There are many seeds that we plant along the way that we’ve forgotten about. Those seeds are waiting for us to give them the attention they need to flourish.

Suffice it to say that nothing’s over until you say it’s over. Gary takes no prisoners in his rant. Disclaimer: he did swear a couple of times, but it worked. I didn’t mind at all and I don’t think you will either. So, stop what you’re doing right now, close your door and give yourself this six-minute gift. It just may change your life.

Here’s an introduction to the video below from Gary Vaynerchuk:

“I want to talk about something that I think isn’t addressed enough. It has to do with everyone who is in the later years of their life and feeling like they’re in the wrong place.

Maybe you’re reading this and you’re 45. Or 54. Maybe you had one goal in life, one set dream, and you’re starting to think it’s too late. You missed your chance.

I am writing this with one sole purpose: to tell you that it is not.

If you have it in you, if you have the fire, the drive, the want…it’s not over.

I want this video to give you the audacity to just go and do it.”

Gary Vaynerchuk

To learn more about Gary, click here> Gary Vaynerchuk

CONCLUSION: I don’t know about you, but there are times when I can lose sight of how much the world has to offer. I see a video like this and I’m jumping out of my chair, ready to go after it. Some of my happiest and most fulfilling times are when I’m being creative and forging new paths. It’s very exciting and rewarding when pulling things together that I’ve only dreamed of and never thought I’d have the opportunity to do. But we all can, and we should. It’s all there … waiting for us! It’s never too late!