Candid Thoughts on Interviewing, Hiring and Improving Your WorkLife

The New Blog - this requires action on your part

My new blog can be found at:

www.thegroundededge.wordpress.com

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Thanks so much for reading.

AG

The Grounded Edge

Sightseeing never really appealed as a kid, did it?  What are we going to do when we get to the sight?  Just see?  Let's do.  If you have good childhood memories than more than likely at some point you concluded - my parents pretty much know everything.  This epiphany just hits you at some point.  Maybe deep down they knew sightseeing would be good for you.  Maybe they just wanted you stop for a second and reflect.

Who came up with the Observation Deck anyway?  A big deck for observing - woo woo.  I had the pleasure of standing on top of the World Trade Center 3 weeks before 9/11 - an incredible 360 degree view of Manhattan and one I am so glad my mind's eye captured.  Standing there - taking it all in.  What a view. 

How about we go to the observation deck overlooking your life?  What do you see?  Can you even look over THERE?  Can you hear anything?  Words you would take back.  Words you should have tasted first.  Strained familial relationships and relationships you knew weren't right.  Bosses that you just didn't click with and employees you should have given another chance to or even fired.  All that muckity-muck.  What a sight. Good stuff too - awards, milestones, wins, cherished memories.  Don't ever forget the good stuff.

A periodic trip to the very edge of the Observation Deck is cathartic and vision producing.  Look - you need to take an occasional breath in a world that is gasping from all the mindless activity.  A chance to take inventory on your own WTF retreat.  A chance for you to give yourself the advice you would give to others or maybe you even bring a friend along.  What do you do up on the deck with all your STUFF, your baggage?  That's not the point - the point is you need the perspective on your life.  Regardless of the muck level, it really should look better now from the observation deck.  My how small even the Statue of Liberty looked from the top of the WTC.

Own the new found perspective.  You have to own it.  As I counsel the unemployed job seeker - this is a must - you have to bring grounded perspective to the game - hiring managers want to know what you have learned from your previous positions, your season of unemployment, your wilderness experience, and your success.  Many of you are hyping your involvement in a philanthropic organization that no longer exists and trying to revel in accomplishments that were like Beatles era. 

Perspective from the Past, Clarity for the future, Intentionality for the now - all done with boldness and a sense of urgency.  Imagine that along with me from The Grounded Edge. 

The New Blog

Stay tuned for the details - new blog is on the way.

Criminal Minds

I continue to search for inspiration in today's marketplace like rural America's finest search for ways to buy pseudoephedrine, the key ingredient to meth, in bulk.  I realize your standard meth lab owner always look 20 years older then they are but they seem to be some of the most enterprising folks society offers.  Trade offs.

July and August have proven to be two of the worst months for crime in the Indianapolis area and probably in your city as well.  Studies have shown a correlation between rising temperatures and crime.  I realize you probably speed and occasionally do a little jaywalking but it has probably been forever since you thought about knocking off your corner convenience store.  As far inspiration though, these people have to be real thinkers with natural born entrepreneurial skills.  Clearly we need to reform these folk and throw them into the cubicle next to you because they know life and death situations and that is what many of you are dealing with today.   

In the midst of their personal uncertainties, the criminal work/life balance is skewed in favor of the life, albeit a low one.  High stress level in the 3 minutes it takes for your average bank heist but offset that with a day off after you ditch the getaway car - they can do some drugs, listen for sirens, watch a little Springer.  You need more flexibility, don't you?

We wait until the end of first quarter of the following year as compensation comes up with the magic formula to determine our bonus.  Their bonus program is clear.  Like you, they may not know what they are going to make but, in all candor, it is theirs for the taking.  They control what they make by controlling what they take.  Envy that comp plan, will ya now?

Bottom line is these folks scheme and plot, think on the fly, have a system, get it done.  Don't get caught.  Repeat.  C'mon now, you and I both know it takes a different skill set to hit a McDonald's than it does to pull off a carjacking.  Both require serious planning to complete though.

You need to bring that type of thinking power to work.  Never have I seen a time where the market seemed to be suffering an idea drought like now.  How about a correlation between rising temps and ideas?  Your ideas are the pseudoephedrine for your meth lab..I mean..company.  Wherever you find it - find the inspiration to get you thinking.  Share your thinking.  Think.  Do.

Now to me, besides the criminal element - my community on twitter, which does include some surly folk, has been a major source of positive vibe in 2009 - quite simply it is nice when peers you respect seem to be flailing as well.  Yet, it is also great to be able to share wins, have perspective adjustment at your fingertips, hone your discernment skills as you separate the recruiters from the search consultants and develop a general sense of inner peace when you realize - I may not be the best but I am a long way from THAT guy.  Don't be afraid to throw your ideas out there and see what YOU can get away with. (just like I just did ending this blog entry with a preposition.  daring.) 

Future Empathy

Technology.  Social Media.  Change and more change.  As a small business guy, it is almost like watching the Indianapolis 500 on a daily basis.  You are watching a car, you follow it thru the turn, you look back and you miss the next one.  But you did hear the sound and see the blur.  I hear about alot and - it is a little blurry.  It can be overwhelming and distracting and tough to manage sometimes. 

Do you ever read someone's opinion about the latest this and that that is going to take over and make this thing obsolete?  You're thinking, "Wow, I hope not yet" - but at the same time succumbing to the pressure of get in now or you are screwed?  I think I felt this way reading something about resumes being obsolete.  They are done, it's over - you won't need one.  Well, I don't know about that but I tell you something that is over.

The whole job hopper label and gaps in employment are falling under the "is what it is" label.  Not sure anyone in the future is really going to care that much.  It is simple.  If so many good people are in the market(allegedly) right now then - wow - a lot of future empathy for the out of work guy and gal is being developed.  Future Managers with Future Empathy.  A whole new generation of compassionate capitalists unleashed on the marketplace.  The hiring manager's desk is being converted from an altar where I pray for forgiveness because I had a temp job for 3 months to a big comfy couch in a pottery barn setting where I can explain this season of my life.  Is your boss from the future?

What To Do When You Can't Reach Your Recruiter

Any recruiter that is a recruiter should be able to be reached at any time.  If you have to leave a voicemail, they should call you back quickly.  That is how we roll.  So you have a sense of urgency?  You should be a recruiter.  If you don't hear from them in a timely fashion, good chance they have expired, are in the wrong profession, or apparently may have moved on.

I heard a stat this week.  Sobering stat but a stat.  The stat is that the recruiting industry is down 37% since the beginning of the year.  Wow.  The prediction is that we will be down 50% this year.  Really wow.

Sobering news.  Crazy talk.  Well, we typically lose 16-22% so really we are just talking a doubling of the average, right?  Thanks, Jeff Skrentny for sharing this point with me.  He is a good dude.

The point here is that when you discover your recruiter is gone - please call Andy at 317.585.0463.

Because as those two young ladies sang - couldn't tell you their names, wouldn't if I could recall -  as they so poorly sang at my first wedding yet sounded good at the rehearsal - the words of that song ring true today - I Will Be Here.  So to steal from the song - tomorrow morning if you wakeup and the future is unclear - I will be here.  When you need to speak your mind - I will listen - And I will be here.

The line about to watch you grow in beauty does not apply here.  However, let me close with a paraphrase - just as sure as seasons are made for change - who will you turn to to discuss your career?  Well, I will be here.  I will be here.  I will be here.  Did I mention..wait I did.  Let's talk soon.

Let's Get This Candidate In For A Pageant - Part 1

Given that I am Thought Leadership for you people, time to lead with some thoughts.  The recent Miss USA pageant was wrought with controversy and I think we can learn something hear to revolutionize the hiring process.  More on the controversy surrounding later.  Let's highlight a few lessons.

I like the fixed time frame of a pageant.  When you tune in everyone knows, by the end of the evening we will know who the next Miss USA will be.  It is a closed-ended process.  At the end of the night, Donald Trump is not getting out of his seat and saying, "I am sorry folks we are still looking for Miss USA."  What way do you approach your hiring process?  Hiring Manager - do you show up for the interview anticipating hiring someone?  ready to crown your new CFO - Miss CFO of the company?  Do you expect to like someone?  Are you in the mood to establish chemistry?  Are you ready to sell the opportunity on why people want to work at your place, on your team? 

Candidates - do you have Vaseline on your teeth and other pageant tricks - ok - maybe a breath check?  the right tie?  How is your presence you as you walk across the stage of questioning?  Are you serious or are you just really hoping to get Miss Congeniality or as some would call this - interview practice.  I cringe when I hear this.  C'mon.  If so, stay home and you won't have to be all nervous and anxious if you get to the talent competition.

Some of you on both sides of the interview equation are coming to the party far too concerned about the process, concerned with getting practice.  Let's enjoy the pageant and refocus on the prize - a new gig and someone who complements the team.  Congratulations.

What Are You Doing, Daddy?

My little Lucinda, or Lucy as we call her, is the sweetest little 2 year old terrorist I know.  She is just the best and I absolutely love her.  What she continues to show me is that she is watching and listening and asking questions or at least - a question.  Along with the word doggy being uttered thousands of times per week - she loves asking - What are you doing? So, for Lucy's sake - WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

Let me tell you what you are doing - you are either living in fear right now or you are living in abundance.  Based on the discussions I have had over the last few weeks - most of you are the former.  I am tired of it.  Absolutely sick of the effing negativity.

The problem with this negativity is that it is the type of negativity that is causing most people just to sit on their ass and do nothing.  Some of these conversations are increasingly difficult as many of you have to remove the ventilator from your mouth to put words together.  Where is the THINKING?  Where are the IDEAS?  Were they lost in your portfolio as well?  I am down 20% and damn if all my business sense isn't gone right with it. 

So I am at Starbuck's the other day and the handwritten sign says, "We are listening.  It is our goal to serve the absolute best beverage everytime with lightning speed."  Let's learn from this.  How does this apply to you?  Allow me to be your Career Barista for a moment. 

Rather than going all negative and doing nothing - let's get on the road to abundance.  We need thoughtful activity right now.  We need to be doing one of two things right now - REINVENTING (let's lump that in there with upgrading) OR getting BACK TO BASICS.  Maybe both.  I like both.  The problem is not uncertainty and tough times, or the economy, or Obama or Geithner  - the real problem is that we are having to work harder instead of coasting, having to make calls rather than take calls, having to think instead of maintain, having to make tough decisions rather than see all that black ink on the P and L.  We can resent it or accept it.  Act or bitch.

I realize it looks like I am getting all preachy - in reality this is more of a personal journal entry than a blog post.  I am pretty much writing this one to myself.  The road to abundance is paved with good people, operating with good systems, working hard and having fun.  I am blessed.  What are YOU doing?

I'll Have What They Are Having

I have been recruiting for 11 years now.  I have seen a lot.  A lot of mediocre offers.  A lot of good offers.  Some great offers.  Incredible benefit packages.  Flexible schedules.  Companies where you get your birthday off.  On-site health clubs.  On site dining.

Tobacco companies where you can smoke at your desk.  Stock options, equity positions.  Ridiculously flexible work from home type scenarios, nice education benefits, relocation packages that went over and above. 

Companies that provide coaching from the start for key executives to help ensure their success.  Great work environments, memberships to clubs,season tickets, company cars, access to suites at sports venues, all that perk crap you see.

However, the one thing I have never seen is a contractually obligated bonus.  These three words have never been used consecutively until now.  It doesn't exist - oh but at AIG it does.  Shame on the individuals that took taxpayer money and paid these bonuses.  Shame on AIG.  The people that received the bonus are not the bad guys - although they will get their judgement when seeking their next gig. 

I think we all need to agree with Leno - "AIG stands for Adventures in Greed."  Well said, Jay.  Hey, AIG employees get your resumes ready and be sure to return your contractually obligated bonus so you can say you did, when you are seeking your next gig.  That will set you apart and salvage your future career because you will not retire from AIG.  Too big to fail - hilarious.  Too stupid to succeed - i think that's right.  I think I read somewhere it is pride that comes before destruction. 

You have never received a contractually obligated bonus but you are paying them.  How about paying attention?

I Want To Go Back

Eddie Money gave us the lyrics - "I want to go back and do it all over but I can't go back..."  and Johnny Paycheck, a country artist with more of a cult following - gave us the working man's anthem - "Take this job and shove it."

Speaking of shoving it, how about the punctuation in the paragraph above?  That sucks.  What are you going to do?

The past.  Some long for it.  Some can't remember it.  Some spend way too much time dwelling on it.  Some are stuck in '82 like Uncle Rico.  My oldest sister is one of them.  TV Land has saved her life.  She loves Mayberry yet Green Acres is the place to be and when it comes to radio there is always WKRP.  All great shows but hard to discuss in the workplace when others are discussing LOST and you are just that.  What is Grey's Anatomy and what about The Office - aren't we here everyday why do I have to watch it at night?  Huh?

My past.  Talk about something you don't want to know about.  How about this?  In the last 5 years, I pretty much cheated death - seriously, lived with my sister in a small apartment, got a divorce, started my own business, had a 120 day stretch where I had a pulmonary embolism, what they thought was heart disease, flatlined after a procedure, had a tumor removed that was benign but thought was Hodgkin's, and pretty much started much of my adult life over.  Those are just a few of the lowlights from a season that was sometimes pretty dark.  I share that because when bitterness still occasionally rears it's head in my life - I celebrate that I survived it came out SOOOO much better, meditate on a few of those facts, smile and think of some of the former conditional friends in my life and fantasize recounting that story and screaming F U repeatedly in their face really loud yet very articulate.  (By the way, I go over the top in my writing but all that crap I just noted is true - also true I have some issues given that last sentence)

Wow that is alot more poor punctuation to stomach above but you must admit - while poor on form, strong on substance.  Now that you are glad you weren't me - here is what you want to do.

The victories in your career really need to be documented.  You forget that stuff.  This is a very cool site, developed by a friend of mine, who has dropped some serious cash to get this to the marketplace.  Use it to look back on what you have done, document your successes, store critical career docs, a whole bunch of cool features - FREE.  Check out CareerScribe.com.

The bitterness in your career needs to MAYBE be documented.  Check out JobVent.com.  I think many of you probably need to write the entry and then delete it but one thing is for sure - you need to purge it.  It is only hurting you.  Incidentally, you can also document positive things from your workplace.  (FYI - talked to the guy that runs the site - he has been threatened but never sued - I am not responsible for your spewing of the facts.)

I am really not big on touting websites but I think these two are absolutely solid especially when they converge at the intersection of Eddie Money and Johnny Paycheck - maybe you want to go back and do it all over and maybe you just need to let someone know how you feel.  I don't want to go back but I don't want to shove it either - with the exception of some of those alleged friend's faces.  I better stop.

Bad Month For Blogging

February pretty much flew by and I started some blogs in my brain but never really saw them to completion on the screen.  March will be different.

I guess I have reasons and excuses but one thing is that I am just completely sick of the negativity in the marketplace and it has on some days managed me.  I am very pissed off about that wasted time.  In all transparency, I was kind of fearing my blog thoughts about negativity being negative would be too negative, thus having a negative effect.

I actually think I should have been writing more and not less so that is what we are going to do. 

One of the things I have started doing is attending a meeting of unemployed and underemployed professionals.  I have learned a lot from the guys.  I want to share some of the takes from those sessions because the group has really reached a point where we aren't discussing jobs but life and calling and ideas and things they would have never gotten to do.  Really good stuff.

Another thing I have discovered and started utilizing is Facebook. You need an account.  You also need Twitter.  Just get on it and see what you think.  I will get on it and get more stuff out there for your education and entertainment.