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The Ultimate “Soft Skills” Career Development Plan

If a survey of employers conducted by Hart Research Associates released Jan 20 2010 on behalf of the Association of American Colleges and Universities is anything to go by, if you want to commercially focus your personal development program, perhaps you should consider their results.

Early on in the report they state “Employers want their employees to use a broader set of skills and have higher levels of learning and knowledge than in the past to meet the increasingly complex demands they will face in the workplace.”

Employers were asked (amongst other things) what specific learning outcomes (competencies) they wanted to be developed in potential employees by educational institutions and which gives us some insights into what we need to do to become more employable.

The top five (of seventeen) items were:

The ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing 89%
Critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills 81%
The ability to apply knowledge and skills to real-world settings through internships or other
hands-on experiences 79%
The ability to analyze and solve complex problems 75%
The ability to connect choices and actions to ethical decisions 75%

Now this gives all of us wanting to select which courses to attend, or which self development books to read or even which electives to study some great basic direction for our personal development priorities. This survey is an excellent look at what you should get ready to provide (outside your technical skills) and I recommend that you read the report in it entirety.

The full report can be read/downloaded at: www.aacu.org/leap/documents/2009_EmployerSurvey.pdf

Completing your resume is a great way to assess your current functional skills and competencies and if you would like to do so there is a free blank resume with examples and samples at resume form.

Some undesirable behaviors and crazy complaints that will destroy a job applicant’s chances to being offered the job,

1.   Saying something like “wow it took me two and a half hours to get here.”
2.   “I had a problem finding your business premises.”
3.   “Of course I’ll take the job.  How much does it pay?”
4.   Answering a cell phone during an interview.
5.   Placing your hands behind your head during an interview.
6.   Folding your arms during an interview.
7.   Turning up in dirty shoes or an un-ironed shirt.
8.   Getting too “familiar” during the interview is a no no.
9.   Getting carried away with detailing every magnificent moment in your previous work.
10. Not rehearsing how to explain a personal area of weakness and being able to sell what you are doing about it.

According to BNET hiring managers say the most common and detrimental mistakes candidates have made during an interview are:

51 percent; dressing inappropriately
49 percent; speaking negatively about a current or previous employer
48 percent; appearing disinterested ranked
44 percent; appearing arrogant
30 percent; not providing specific answers
29 percent; not asking good questions

Having interviewed many individuals I would like to add, deferring interview appointments, being late, smelling badly of body odor and a wet or limp handshake. When you are going for and interview leave time to have a quick freshen up in the company’s bathroom so you can look fresh and ready. It is also best if your stand while you wait rather than lounging in reception. A polite smile when you are greeted can’t hurt either. Oh yes… please… no perfume or aftershave.

**Link for direct page viewers return to main career success blog to check out other posts!

While you’re here take a look at the free blank resume form!

Finally… a resume may get you the interview however many times I have said and will say it again here… you must research the company you are applying to and at least have a rudimentary knowledge about what they do when you get to the job interview otherwise it is likely you will mess it up.

This CNBC video of a town hall meeting at Columbia University with Bill Gates and Warren Buffet is a valuable resource for all of us and particularly those looking for some sound career and business advice.

Some of the assets we need as individuals seeking success:

Gates: ‘continuing to learn from those that live the topic’
Buffet: ‘developing our communication skills’

What Buffet admires about Gates: His charity to others and his commitment of energy, skill and money
What Gates admires about Buffet: His integrity and willingness to share his knowledge and experience

This is a must watch video for any aspiring and positive human being looking for something to form the pillars of their career.

Ric (orglearn) **Link for direct page viewers return to main career success blog to check out other posts!

While you’re here take a look at the free blank resume form then do your resume and perhaps you can ensure that it contains and communicates examples of how you represent a person of integrity, passion, charity with a willingness to be a continuous learner!

WHAT ARE SPIN-DOCTORS AND WHAT IS SPIN?

Spin-Doctor is a term that has spread from US politics. Spin-doctors are similar to (and as some complain often confused with) ‘REAL’ public relations or public affairs individuals. Professional Spin-Doctors are used to create ‘spin’ for everything from charities, entertainers, sports people, businesses and politicians.

Spin is usually a biased or at least a limited interpretation what has happened. The ‘doctors’ analyse the matter for us and tell us what we need to understand, how to interpret information about an event and what perspective or context we should have when considering what has happened. Spin-doctors ‘advise’ us… usually they take the approach that it’s never a matter of what actually happened, it’s always how we look at it, or that it is only their ‘true’ perspective that counts. Spin is not about reality or consequences its more a matter of understanding why something happened.

Why are these people called spin-doctors? The majority of us develop an attitude or belief about an event by the manner that event is presented to us. So if we want to manipulate people’s perception, we need to alter their perspective by the way we present the information to them. To do this effectively we must put the right “spin” or ‘bent’ on the facts to influence perception in order to manipulate interpretations. The payoff is that if we put the right “spin” on the information we may be able to lead people to the interpretation and perception that we want.

“YOU CAN FOOL MOST OF THE PEOPLE MOST OF THE TIME”

WHY DO SO MANY GROUPS USE SPIN-DOCTORS?

Spin-Doctors exist because facts, figures, events and words, all have different meanings to different people. As an example the phrase, when talking to a builder, ‘you work like lightening’ can be interpreted as FAST. If the builder, is knocking nails in it can mean, INEPT, as he keeps missing the nailhead because “lightening never strikes the same place twice”. The presentation and interpretation of information is often the key to success for those pushing their version of the truth. Careers, businesses, whole communities can be made or broken through the power of public opinion. The media moulds public opinion and the media in particular can be manipulated by spin.

Most reasonable individuals, one would hope, will take the view that although spin can help, what really matters is how people (we) BEHAVE! If you ‘suck’ (as they say in the classics), all the spin in the world won’t help. For companies, successful spin means we need to be seen as ‘good’ corporate citizens and take account of HOW OUR ACTIONS effect those with a stake in our organization.

Wisdom dictates that we understand that spin-doctors come disguised as news commentators, political analysts, PR consultants, HR directors, financial controllers, ‘in the know’ mates at the office, ‘independent’ personal financial advisors or even friends and family. (Some even come disguised as educators. The difference is that a true educator informs to allow us to learn how to think, a spin-doctor informs to control our thinking.) Beware of the spin-doctors in your organization for they can blur your vision, destroy your mission and disrupt your well-laid plans.

IN AUSTRALIA THEY USE A TERM, “BULLSHIT BAFFLES BRAINS” AND TODAY IT SEEMS TRUER THAN EVER! (Pardon my language however it says it clearly)

SPIN ON THE NET

Lets face it today there is so much rubbish on the net and the tide of spin is rising, so many marketers trying to sell get rich schemes to the gullible. I have been on the net for over ten years, I make a little money, however the get rich stuff just doesn’t do it for me at all. Sure I’ve found a couple of systems that work for me, in fact one earns me and 18% return however it takes constant work and effort to get that return, just as it does with any business. Lots of internet marking activitiy I can tell you is boring, mundane and you need persistance and commitment! So don’t throw your hard eaned cash into some thing that some slick spin doctor is telling you. Best remember the old adage “if it sounds too good to be true it probably is”.

PS If you really want an online/net activity to make a few of dollars, that’s free to try and cheap to get into, take a look at this.

If you do like the media ownership idea and need any help you can Skype me at rictownsend

I’m also in another small marketing group that is very helpful and has taught me lots of good stuff that you could take a look at. Although I haven’t personally made a lot of money from it, I have made friends and learned not what to get into. This one is a bit like a marketing social group mainly older guys and girls and the friendship value itself has made it worthwhile let alone the knowledge I’ve gained. This one is Ric’s RML Friends

Ric (orglearn) **Link for direct page viewers return to main career success blog to check out other posts!

Want to ’spin’ yourself to an employer? While you’re here take a look at the free blank resume form!

Is your resume merely a self-serving autobiography or does it present a solution to your readers’ problems?

These are questions asked by Phil Rosenberg of “reCareered” sometime back, the answers are however probably even more pertinent in today’s business climate. I receive many resumes on my free resume form page and I am astounded by the lack of understanding that most resume writers have about the purpose of their resume and how a resume needs to be presented.

Phil’s main points:

FACT: ‘IF your resume gets seen by human eyes (97% get pre-screened by a database search), you have an average 15 seconds to capture the reader’s attention.’

So how do you grab your reader’s attention? Write about what is important to them. [You need to read the advertisement and match what you offer to what the ad and employer are seeking!]

FACT: “Most resumes don’t address an employers’ problems? Most are written for the job seekers own pride or ego.” [My own research unfortunately bears this out, even when the advice on my free blank resume form specifically states what bad practice it is.]

Phil then asks: “Do you think it matters much to your audience what you are most proud of? Will your reader care enough to read your resume in detail to get an idea of who you are and what you can do? Or does your audience care more about rapid solutions to their problems?”

If you want even half a chance at getting an interview you will need to heed Phil’s advice.

So: WRITE FOR YOUR AUDIENCE – the hiring manager.

What’s important to hiring managers? Hiring “people who can solve their problems without much ramp-up time or training.”

The full original article is at:

http://www.recareered.blogspot.com/2008/02/your-resumes-audience-cheers-or-silence.html

ONE MORE TIME “Please for your own sake remember if you ‘write your resume to solve an employer’s problems you’re likely to get interviews. Discuss how you can an solve employer’s problems in an interview, and you may even receive a job offer’

ps from Yahoo hotjobs: (http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles)

What to leave off your resume:

The Unquantifiable Accomplishment

e.g. “I am the most talented employee my company has ever had.”

The Not-So-Notable Accomplishment

e.g. “I get along with coworkers.”

Offbeat Accomplishment are also a waste of space:

e.g. “Set record for eating 45 eggs in two minutes.”

“Make sure any accomplishments you place on your resume will impress a potential employer. Your ability to do average work or fulfill the most basic requirements of a job does not warrant special mention.”

Ric (orglearn) **Link for direct page viewers return to main career success blog to check out other posts!

While you’re here and this post is fresh in your mind take a look at the free blank resume form and perhaps start to build yourself a better resume!

Which personals trait and skills do we need to be people oriented effective managers? Three more for us to ponder… and develop!

TENACITY

A) Is willing to do more than normally expected by others the complete task even if it comes at some personal cost.

B) Able to maintain focus and interest over a long period of time and sees quitting as the least desirable outcome.

C) Stays with the task till its completion in spite of rejection or resistance from others with competing agendas.

D) Prepared to repeatedly present an idea or point of view with new arguments/facts and is willing to explore new avenues to successfully reach agreed targets.

HONESTY

A) Acts conscientiously in the best interest of the company and his/her colleagues; admits to mistakes and respects the company’s and colleagues’ property and values.

B) Correctly and truly reports facts of a situation without colouring the story for personal benefits and openly says what he or she will do and does it.

C) Willing to disclose personal shortcomings, feelings and attitudes for the sake of the organisation and common good of colleagues.

D) Demonstrates high level of ethical behaviour in spite of personal difficulties and inspires others to do the same.

FLEXIBILITY

A) Alters procedures and activities to fit company goals and decides how to act to match situations.

B) Able to change own ideas or attitudes based on new/contrary information.

C) Copes effectively and is able to maintain operational standards even when faced with the unexpected.

D) Readily moves to adjust to rapid changes, multiple demands and shifting priorities.

Ric (orglearn) **Link for direct page viewers return to main career success blog to check out other posts!

Looking for a management position? Perhaps you should highlight these traits when you take a look at (and fill in) the free blank resume form on orglearn!

A great resume advice article by Jessica Holbrook on “careerrocketeer”. The main points:

Applying for a job, resume sin number 1. Not including a cover letter with your resume. Obvious really!

Resume sin number 2. Including an objective statement. “Point blank objectives are bad form.”

Sin number 3. “Use headings like profile and career summary versus a powerful sales pitch.” Well I think the writer means the content needs to be a “powerful sales pitch”

Number 4. ‘Leaving out industry specific keywords’. A deadly sin indeed!

and finally… resume sin number 5. Small (big?) mistakes or grammatical errors. ‘Have someone [intelligent] review your resume’.

Read the full article at:

http://www.careerrocketeer.com/2009/09/5-best-ways-to-land-your-resume-in.html

Ric (orglearn) **Link for direct page viewers return to main career success blog to check out other posts!

While you’re here take a look at the free blank resume form!

I recently read an interesting blog on “Writing the perfect resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)” and the section that caught my eye was that regarding the ability of software selection or “resume CV reading software” to put you in the to be interviewed pile.

To quote the writer:

“As organisations (or organizations if you prefer) become more sophisticated, they start using CV reading software and web sites that filter us out long before a human even reads the CV. We need to learn these techniques to give us an edge over other candidates. This is a little like getting a website Google friendly. This means using key words. For example, using “competency” in your CV as a description is fine but if the software is looking for “competencies” your CV will be rejected. Software is stupid. It can only look for what it has been told to look for. Another good example of this is “training and development” and “learning and development”; a human looking at these will know that in many organisations these mean the same thing – software does not. carefully look through job adverts and look for the current appropriate language to use and include.”

Now this was the really good resume or CV (if your not in the USA) writing tip:

“The most successful candidates now include a list of keywords on the resume / CV. This can be a small section at the end of the resume / CV. Your keywords section should contain the types of words that recruiters might be looking for in your industry. This way if you do not cover all the bases in the main resume / CV the keyword list will contain them. Also, in the same way search engines look for key words and word density, some software looks for key word frequency – so having this helps your resume / CV to be seen.”

http://rapidbi.com/management/2009/09/the-perfect-resume-cv-to-get-you-through-to-interview/

Whether you use the term “resume” or “curriculum vitae” (depending on your local traditions) I think you must always include a section on keywords. Read the rest of the blog this is not the only good advice the writer gives, this is however a great resume form or format tip.

Ric (orglearn) While you’re here take a look at the free blank resume form!

* Link for direct page viewers return to main career success blog to check out other posts!

When seeking employment your image and particularly the first impression you make is vitally important. I have written in the past about cover letters and resumes and how to enhance your chances of getting an interview.

One issue that seems to be overlooked by many is their email address. Now for personal correspondence your email address, or the style of your email address, is probably relatively immaterial. This is not the case I suggest for those seeking employment. Strange or frivolous email addresses can leave the recruiter wondering about the seriousness  or maturity of the owners. On this website there is a free blank resume form with the option to send the document to me for backup and I receive between eight to fifteen resumes a day. Here are some of the email address examples (slightly changed to protect the owners) to give you some examples.

sillyoneme, igotitall, bigboy, godwoman, thedawg, footballfan, clumbsy

As I say the names have been slightly changed to protect the innocent (guilty) however they were all listed as contact addresses on resumes. Can I suggest that if you are seriously seeking employment for something other than a comedian you take a look at your email address and if it is not appropriate set up one that is.

I mean would you consider hiring into your serious business someone known as “iwantmoney@….”

Excerpt from article by Bobby Sisk of charlotteobserver.com

“What I intend to do is chronicle my experience with clients and experiences over the years as it relates to career advice,” Means said.

“You can learn from other job seekers’ trials and tribulations.” “I really want it to be an example of how others have dealt with those issues versus (someone saying) ‘Here’s advice on how you should do it’”

According to the article “the blog is [will be] updated at the first of each week.”

Probably worth a visit blogs.queens.edu/careerexpert

Ric career example resume and advice at www.orglearn.org

ps read the full articel at http://www.charlotteobserver.com/business/story/815177.html