Improve Your Interview Skills

The biggest mistake in interviewing is not being fully prepared. Although your resume lands you the interview, it is ultimately the interview that will get you the job. Here’s how you can effectively handle the interview process:

1. Conduct Research – It’s important to be confident and prepared. Conduct research on companies of interest before applying to a job or showing up for an interview.
2. Practice Interviewing - Prepare for an interview by running through commonly asked interview questions.
3. Dress Professionally –When you are on an interview, you are marketing yourself as the best candidate for the job, so it’s important to dress professionally.
4. Make a Positive First Impression – First impressions are critical. Arrive early, give a firm handshake and make eye contact throughout the interview.
5. Go Beyond the Canned Response – Behavioral interviewing is an ever-growing interview technique. Rather than merely telling the interviewer what you would do in a situation, demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and abilities by giving specific examples from past work experiences.
6. Ask Questions – Express interest and willingness to learn about the company by asking questions and listening to details about the organization.
7. Follow Up - Reinforce to the employer that you bring value to their organization by developing a well-written thank you note..

Be Prepared
Regardless of the position, you should always dress appropriately to show the employer that you take pride in yourself and as a result you take pride in your work.

Once you have refined your personal image; make sure that your Internet appearance is just as professional. So it is important to create a professional online presence.

Where do we go from here

Let's start leaning forward; and planning ahead. Now that we know the outcome of the Zimmerman Case; we’ve got to decide where should we go from here. We have a divided country with an eroded middle-class. Poverty is bursting around us, yet we are focused on a single case. No doubt Trayvon's Death was a senseless tragedy; but our next move must be to improve conditions for a New America. An America where individuals learn from their past so mistakes won't be repeated. Build on the future: where the young can take their place as leaders. I urge you to learn how with: “Why Not Me”- here’s another excerpt from my book:  “Once you have a goal that requires more than your participation, you have to get others involved. To do so, you must strike a chord with them.  You must believe in what you do and your ability to get it done. You must display a confidence in the project, and a strong desire to see it through.” Get your book today @: http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/Products/SKU-000475782/WHY-NOT-ME.aspx

Rules to a Good Cover Letter

Your Cover Letter
Bad Cover Letter	Good Cover Letter
Too long  / with too much formality	It should tell a story
No substance & Empty buzzword	It should be short, concise and passionate
Re-write your resume	It should be personal and intriguing (give examples)
	It should tell why you are interested
	It should be your elevator pitch (interesting hook)

Advice for dealing with gossip, favoritism and the office saboteur

Office politics exist in every workplace. But you don't need to be a master manipulator to get ahead; you simply must learn how to navigate murky waters. Here are some tips for handling each situation.

Q: I would like to avoid the office rumor mill, but people always try roping me into gossipy conversations. How should I handle this?
A: Water cooler chatter can be both helpful and harmful. The trick is recognizing when to listen and when to cut and run.

Q: I'm a loyal employee and a hard worker, but my boss plays favorites and always gives the plum assignments to a particular co-worker. What can I do?
A: Before crying foul, make sure you communicate to your supervisor your interest in taking on additional responsibility. Your manager might simply be waiting for you to step up and show initiative.

Q: One of my colleagues seems like she's out to get me. Whenever possible, she does something to make me look bad. How should I respond?
A: If someone's purposely undermining your efforts, you can respond in several ways.

1.       One option is to pull the person aside and ask her about her troubling actions. Focus on the facts and don't let your emotions get the best of you.

2.   No matter what course of action you choose, you can rise above the fray if you remain professional, respectful and diplomatic.

Some key drivers of Job Satisfaction

Few people are exactly alike when determining what makes them happy at work, but there are some key drivers of job satisfaction.

Relationships	With manager, With peers, With subordinates
Work/life balance	Location/commute. Travel, Amount of work
Kind of work	Autonomy, Type of Work, Contribution & Growth opportunities
The company	Values, Leadership, Industry
Financial considerations	Base Pay, Incentive Pay