Remember that old Tennessee Ernie Ford song?
"You load sixteen tons, what do you get?
Another day older and deeper in debt
Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go.
I owe my soul to the company store"
Sing it, Tennessee!
Those lyrics were written in an era when punching the clock – day in and out at the same lackluster job until retirement – was the only rational option for a responsible adult. It’s an idea many still cling to as gospel truth.
Yet, does it still ring true today?
For many, yes, it surely does.
Let’s talk about retirement for a moment.
What does it mean to you?
Most folks believe retirement is a hard-earned reward for years of company loyalty and service. And when the day finally arrives, they’ll finally get to enjoy all those neglected hobbies, create lots of memories with loved ones, and take the trip of a lifetime (or two) with someone special.
However, retirement isn’t always that glamorous.
What seems like a dream come true, all-too-often ends in an unfortunate and avoidable way. It reminds me of that old saying:
"The light at the end of the tunnel is really an oncoming train."
We talk a lot about out-smarting interviewers and beating them at their own game -- but it's also worth remembering something important:
Most hiring managers do NOT like interviewing candidates.
Many of them completely hate the hiring process altogether.
Why?
Because it takes them away from their *real* work, and forces them to spend days, sometimes even weeks, interviewing different people.
Each time a new person walks through the door and takes a seat, they're desperately hoping that he or she will be the one.
Remember This Next Time You Email A Hiring Manager
Written by Alan Carniol
Before I get down to "business" today, I want to tell you something:
I truly value the fact that you let me share my thoughts and ideas and advice with you through these blogs. It means a lot to me. Really, it does.
Often, when I start work in the morning, there are a few messages from folks who hit the reply button on one of these emails to share their thoughts with me and/or my team. I always enjoy these conversations.
It's my pleasure to help folks find their dream job. I guess you can say that I've already found my dream job -- it's helping you, and folks like you, in this vital career transition, and watching our members find success and grow.
Now -- where was I? Yes...
Hiring managers are like VIPs.
A member asks:
I would like to receive your advice if you do not mind.
I had an in-person interview a few weeks back, and the Hiring Manager gave me some immediate positive feedback as he escorted me through the door.
He literally said, "You did really good in your interview".
When I got home, I emailed a thank you note within 24 hours. However, since then I have not received any response from the Hiring Manager or Recruiter regarding the position.
I sent a follow-up note to the Hiring Manager one week later, and also emailed a follow-up note to the Recruiter two weeks after the interview.
Today, I'm going to share a "secret weapon" with you.
Don't laugh. Although what I'm about to tell you sound old hat -- and to be fair, it's nothing you probably haven't heard before -- it is extremely powerful. This subtle shift can make or break your next interview.
Before I go any further, let's talk about neediness.
We all know neediness is bad. The problem is, though -- when you need a job, you need a job! There's no getting around that.
Yes, there are certain techniques you can use to project confidence. (I'll share some in a future blog.) This is kind of like papering over the cracks. It works most of the time, but it doesn't solve the real issue.
This "secret weapon" I'm about to share solves the real problem.
3 Tips on How Spring Cleaning Can Help You Achieve More
Written by Alan Carniol
It’s been a couple of months now since you’ve set your goals for the year. And aren’t you curious to see how far you’ve progressed this year with your goals? There is no better time of the year than now to do a spring cleaning with your goals and career.
For other people this means re-organizing their desk, cleaning up their emails with old things they need to do, or looking at what you have in your career and deciding which direction you want to take for the year to help you achieve your overall career goals.
It’s that time of the year again, where years of going to classes and working multiple jobs will come to an end, graduation. Thousands of new graduates are going to get their degrees and join the workforce without having to worry about classes.
Are you one of them? The NACE recently released projections of employers hiring fresh college graduates by 16.6% up from 4% last year. And if you’re a fresh graduate, this is great news! But that doesn’t mean that you’ll be hired sooner than expected.
It’s not unusual for companies today to have multiple rounds of interviews. The first interview is for screening a basic set of qualifications that people need to meet.
While the second interview, usually involves a longer schedule. This is because you’ll probably meet with a couple of people in different settings. So if you were invited for a second interview, congratulations! But remember this is just the first step.
A few days ago, I shared how I’m putting the finishing touches on my new program for finding your dream retirement career, making it a reality, and escaping the daily grind.
I’m doing this because facing “traditional” retirement presents a dilemma for many folks.
After the kids have left home, and it’s time to start thinking about the next chapter in their own lives, they wonder if they will have to keep grinding away until the day they can officially stop working and “retire”.